Jose Mujica, Uruguay’s former president known for his humility and progressive ideals, has died at the age of 89. Mujica, who served as president from 2010 to 2015, passed away in Montevideo following a long battle with esophageal cancer.
Often referred to as “the world’s poorest president” due to his austere lifestyle, Mujica was admired globally for donating most of his salary to charity and for his straightforward manner. Before entering politics, he was a guerrilla leader with the Tupamaros movement, spending over a decade in prison during Uruguay’s military dictatorship.
During his presidency, Mujica legalized same-sex marriage, abortion, and marijuana, positioning Uruguay as one of the most progressive countries in Latin America. His death marks the end of an era for many Uruguayans who saw him as a symbol of honesty and resilience.
He is survived by his wife, Senator Lucia Topolansky.
