José Mujica
By Our Reporter
The former President of Uruguayan, who’s reputed to be the ‘poorest leader’ in the world owing to his simple and humble lifestyle but, bold reforms, Mr José Mujica
is dead.
Mujica, who served as the President of Uruguayan from 2010 to 2015, died at the age of 89, leaving a lasting legacy of progressive policies, and deep connection to the people he served.
While the cause of death of José Mujica was not officially confirmed, he was known to be had been battling oesophageal cancer.
The presidency of José Mujica was marked by strong social reforms, including the legalization of same-sex marriage, abortion, and recreational marijuana.
José Mujica refused to live in the luxurious presidential residence, choosing instead to stay in his modest countryside home with his wife, Lucía Topolansky.
He had said; “They say I’m the poorest president. No, I’m not. Poor are those who want more […] because they’re in an endless race”.
Mujica’s death was announced by current Uruguayan President, Mr Yamandú Orsi, who said; “Thank you for everything you gave us and for your deep love for your people.”
In his final public interview, Mujica spoke calmly about death, saying; “One knows that death is inevitable and perhaps, it’s like the salt of life”.
Born in Montevideo to a middle-class family, Mujica became politically active early in life and in the 1960s, he co-founded the Tupamaros, a leftist urban guerrilla group inspired by the Cuban revolution.
Mujica was arrested several times and spent over 14 years in prison under Uruguay’s military dictatorship during which he was tortured and spent long periods in solitary confinement. While reflecting on his incarceration, Mujica once said that he talked to ants to cope with isolation, saying; “Becoming president was insignificant compared to that”.
When democracy was eventually restored in Uruguay in 1985, Mujica transitioned into formal politics and served as a lawmaker and minister before becoming president at the age of 74.
Mujica’s leadership was marked by economic growth, reduced poverty, and low unemployment.
Despite his simple image, Mujica was however, a complex political figure but was admired for his honesty and humility, even as he faced criticism for not improving the country’s struggling education system and for increased government spending during his term.
After retiring from politics in 2020, Mujica remained a respected figure in Uruguay and internationally.
His political protégé, Yamandú Orsi, was elected president in 2024.
José Mujica left behind a legacy of integrity, resilience, and service — a leader who lived simply and inspired many by doing so.
