Asger Risom
The iconic figure of Latin America’s left and outspoken critic of consumerism passes away after battling cancer.
A symbol of humility, resilience, and progressive ideals, José “Pepe” Mujica captured the imagination of millions around the world.
Often dubbed “the world’s poorest president” for his refusal to adopt a lavish lifestyle, Mujica governed Uruguay from 2010 to 2015 and remained a steadfast advocate for human dignity and social justice.
His death at 89 marks the end of an extraordinary life defined by rebellion, perseverance, and compassion. As tributes flood in from political leaders and citizens alike, the world reflects on a statesman who reshaped Uruguay’s image on the global stage and whose voice transcended borders.
An Unconventional Journey from Guerrilla Fighter to President
Mujica’s early life was anything but conventional. In the 1960s and 1970s, he was a founding member of the Tupamaros, a left-wing urban guerrilla group.
Wounded by gunfire and later imprisoned during Uruguay’s military dictatorship, Mujica endured more than a decade of incarceration and torture before his release in 1985.
Following his release, Mujica co-founded the Popular Participation Movement (MPP), which became a key force within Uruguay’s leftist Frente Amplio coalition.
His down-to-earth style and refusal to be constrained by traditional political norms earned him immense respect both domestically and abroad.
A President for the People
When Mujica assumed the presidency in 2010, he continued to live at his modest farm on the outskirts of Montevideo, driving a beat-up Volkswagen Beetle and rejecting the trappings of power.
He donated nearly 90% of his salary to charity, famously remarking that a leader should “live as the majority lives.”
Under his leadership, Uruguay became the first country in the world to fully legalize cannabis in 2013. He also supported groundbreaking policies including the legalization of abortion and same-sex marriage, further reinforcing Uruguay’s image as a progressive beacon in Latin America.
An International Voice Against Consumerism
Mujica’s influence extended well beyond Uruguay. At the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, he delivered a blistering speech against excessive consumerism and environmental exploitation. The following year at the UN General Assembly, he warned against “the god of the market” and the unrelenting pursuit of profit.
As reported by Digi24, leaders from around the world paid tribute. Spain’s Pedro Sánchez, Bolivia’s Evo Morales, Colombia’s Gustavo Petro, Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum all hailed Mujica’s legacy of authenticity and moral leadership.
In the words of French leftist Jean-Luc Mélenchon: “Thank you for the courage you gave us all… farewell, Pepe.”
A Lasting Legacy
Until the end, Mujica remained an active voice in politics. He campaigned for Frente Amplio’s candidate Yamandu Orsi in 2024 and maintained his signature modest lifestyle at the farm he shared with his wife, Lucia Topolansky, a fellow ex-guerrilla and former vice president of Uruguay.
Mujica’s life defied conventions: from revolutionary fighter to global statesman, he embodied the idea that simplicity and integrity are not just personal choices, but powerful political statements.
On Tuesday, young members of the MPP gathered to pay tribute, raising banners with a single heartfelt message: “Hasta siempre, Pepe.”