Former Uruguayan President José “Pepe” Mujica Dies at 89

José “Pepe” Mujica, the former guerrilla fighter who rose to become Uruguay’s beloved and unconventional president, has died at the age of 89, as per Al Jazeera.

His death was announced on Tuesday by current President Yamandú Orsi in a social media post. Mujica had been battling throat cancer since 2024.

Known globally for his humility, progressive politics, and unwavering belief in social justice, Mujica led Uruguay from 2010 to 2015. He became an iconic figure in Latin America, not only for his dramatic personal history but also for his steadfast rejection of the trappings of political power.

Leaders across the region mourned his passing.

“If you left us anything, it was the unquenchable hope that things can be done better,” Chilean President Gabriel Boric wrote in tribute.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, himself a former leftist rebel like Mujica, offered a heartfelt farewell:

“Goodbye, friend. I hope that Latin America will one day have an anthem.”

From Armed Struggle to Political Leadership

Mujica’s path to the presidency was anything but conventional. In the 1960s and early 1970s, he was a leading figure in the Tupamaros, a Marxist guerrilla movement known for bank robberies, armed resistance, and symbolic occupations aimed at undermining the Uruguayan establishment.

He was captured by authorities multiple times, ultimately spending nearly 13 years in prison — much of it in solitary confinement, where he endured torture and psychological isolation. His release came in 1985, following Uruguay’s return to democracy and the passage of a general amnesty law for political prisoners.

Soon after, Mujica entered electoral politics, co-founding the Broad Front (Frente Amplio), a center-left coalition that would transform Uruguay’s political landscape.

A Humble Presidency

Elected at age 74, Mujica stood out on the world stage for his personal austerity and commitment to social progress. He legalized same-sex marriage, expanded abortion rights, and pushed for the legalization of marijuana — positioning Uruguay as a progressive leader in the region. He also prioritized renewable energy, helping the small nation dramatically reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

But it was Mujica’s lifestyle that made him a global symbol. Rejecting the presidential mansion, he lived on his modest flower farm outside Montevideo with his wife, Lucía Topolansky, a fellow former guerrilla who later served as vice president. He famously drove a beat-up blue Volkswagen Beetle, a vehicle that came to symbolize his rejection of excess and power.

Final Years and Legacy

Even after leaving office, Mujica remained a vocal and influential figure in regional politics, attending presidential inaugurations, endorsing candidates, and offering candid commentary on global affairs. In 2024, he supported Yamandú Orsi, who was later elected president.

Diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2024, Mujica initially responded well to radiation treatment. However, the cancer returned and spread to his liver by early 2025. He addressed his mortality with characteristic directness.

“Honestly, I’m dying,” Mujica said in his final interview with Busqueda magazine. “A warrior has the right to rest.”