World’s ‘Poorest President’ Pepe Dies At 89
Accoding to leadership newspaper,José “Pepe” Mujica, former president of Uruguay and one of Latin America’s most iconic political figures, has died at the age of 89. The announcement was made by President Yamandú Orsi, who praised Mujica’s deep connection with the people and his lifelong commitment to justice and humility. While no official cause of death has been confirmed, Mujica had been battling esophageal cancer.
Japanese advice to diabetics: smart people do itInsuluxby TaboolaSponsored LinksMujica served as Uruguay’s president from 2010 to 2015, earning global recognition not only for his progressive policies but also for his deeply modest lifestyle. He refused to live in the presidential residence and instead remained at his small farmhouse outside Montevideo with his wife, Lucía Topolansky.
The couple lived without domestic staff, surrounded by animals and neighbors. Mujica was often seen driving his aging Volkswagen Beetle and donated most of his salary to charitable causes.His political legacy includes the legalization of same-sex marriage and marijuana, as well as significant investments in public services.
Despite his image of personal austerity, his administration increased public spending, leading some critics to accuse him of fiscal recklessness.
Yet, Mujica always placed human dignity at the center of governance and believed that leadership should be grounded in empathy and service.Before his presidency, Mujica was a member of the leftist Tupamaros guerrilla group. He endured over a decade in prison, often under harsh conditions, and narrowly survived being shot multiple times.
He once remarked that being freed from prison was more significant to him than becoming president.In his final years, Mujica spoke openly about death, viewing it as a natural part of life. In a BBC interview shortly before his passing, he reflected, “One knows that death is inevitable. And perhaps it’s like the salt of life.” His legacy endures in Uruguay and far beyond
