Latin America is mourning the death of Jose “Pepe” Mujica, Uruguay’s former president and beloved leftist icon, who passed away at the age of 89 following a battle with esophageal cancer.
Known for his humility and simple lifestyle, Mujica was a former guerrilla fighter who became president from 2010 to 2015. He was often praised for donating most of his salary to charity and living modestly on a small farm with his wife and their three-legged dog.
Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi paid tribute on social media, calling Mujica a “guide and leader” and declaring three days of national mourning. His body will lie in state at the legislative palace.
Mujica’s grassroots appeal and unpretentious nature made him a symbol of integrity in politics. In his presidency, he oversaw progressive reforms, including legalizing same-sex marriage, abortion, and recreational marijuana.
Despite his firm leftist stance, Mujica criticized authoritarianism among fellow left-wing governments in the region, calling out Venezuela and Nicaragua for their repressive actions.
International tributes poured in from leaders such as Brazil’s Lula da Silva, Spain’s Pedro Sánchez, and Guatemala’s Bernardo Arevalo, praising Mujica for his wisdom, humility, and lifelong fight for justice.
Mujica, who spent over a decade imprisoned during Uruguay’s dictatorship, later became a senator and agriculture minister before assuming the presidency. He continued to be politically active even after his cancer diagnosis, backing Orsi’s successful campaign.
Honoring his final wish, Mujica will be buried on his farm beside his dog. He is survived by his wife, Lucia Topolansky.