Jose “Pepe” Mujica, Uruguay’s former leftist president, known for his humble lifestyle and progressive policies, has died after a battle with cancer, the government in Montevideo announced Tuesday.
“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our comrade Pepe Mujica. President, activist, guide, and leader. We will miss you greatly, old friend,” current Uruguayan leader Yamandu Orsi said on X.
Mujica’s wife, Lucia Topolansky, had previously indicated that the 89-year-old was in the “terminal” stage of cancer and receiving palliative care.
During his presidency from 2010 to 2015, Mujica was often referred to as the “world’s poorest president” due to his habit of donating most of his salary and driving an old Volkswagen Beetle.
He also garnered international acclaim for his strong anti-consumerism views.
His time in office saw Uruguay enact several progressive laws, including the legalization of abortion and same-sex marriage.
In 2013, Uruguay became the first nation to legalize recreational cannabis use.
Mujica was a member of the MLN-Tupamaros rebels, a group that engaged in an insurgency during the 1960s and 70s.
While popular, the group was also blamed by some Uruguayans for instigating the 1973 military coup that led to a dictatorship lasting until 1985.
Mujica spent 12 years in prison during this period, much of it in solitary confinement.
In January, Mujica revealed that his esophageal cancer, diagnosed the previous year, had spread, and he would discontinue treatment.
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