José Mujica, Former President of Uruguay and the “World’s Most Humble Leader,” Dies at 90

Former Uruguayan President José Mujica has passed away at the age of 90. Born in 1935 in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, Mujica became active in the 1960s and 1970s as a member of the leftist guerrilla group Tupamaros. During that time, he was imprisoned multiple times, and under the military dictatorship, he endured nearly 15 years of severe torture and solitary confinement. After Uruguay transitioned to democracy in 1985, he was released and went on to establish the leftist political movement Movimiento de Participación Popular (MPP), serving as a member of parliament and Minister of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries. In 2010, he was inaugurated as Uruguay’s 40th president, and his modest and humble lifestyle began to capture the world’s attention.

As president, Mujica lived in a small, run-down farmhouse on the outskirts of the capital with his wife. He donated 90% of his presidential salary and drove a battered 1987 Volkswagen Beetle. In an interview with CNN, he remarked, “I’m not a poor president. Poor is someone who needs too much. I have very little, but that’s enough for me,” leaving a lasting impression on many.

During his presidency, Mujica pursued bold and progressive reforms. He was credited with driving Uruguay’s economic growth and reducing poverty. However, some of his policies also sparked controversy, including the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage, and Uruguay becoming the first country in the world to legalize recreational cannabis. Still, unlike many of his South American counterparts, Mujica was never accused of corruption or undermining democracy, which further solidified his reputation as a respected leader.

The people of Uruguay affectionately called him “El Pepe”, a nickname meaning “Our José” in Spanish, reflecting his approachable and down-to-earth nature. Following news of his passing, a wave of mourning spread not only in Uruguay but also in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and other countries.

Even while battling cancer, Mujica continued to speak to young people, saying, “Life is beautiful, but sometimes you fall. What matters is starting again each time you fall.” His life went beyond that of a typical politician—he will be remembered as a man who pursued genuine humanity. Mujica will not only be remembered for his humble lifestyle but as a politician who championed true democracy, equality, and human dignity. His philosophy of life inspired people around the globe, and his legacy will continue to resonate with many for years to come.