Former Uruguayan President José Mujica Passes Away at Age 89
José Mujica, an influential figure in Uruguayan politics and a proponent of social justice, dies following a long battle with esophageal cancer.
José Alberto Mujica Cordano, known widely as Pepe Mujica, has died at the age of 89 on May 13, 2025. His passing comes just one week before his 90th birthday.
Mujica had been suffering from esophageal cancer, which had progressed to a stage where he was receiving only palliative care.
The announcement of his death was made by the current president of Uruguay, Yamandú Orsi, who expressed his condolences on social media, highlighting Mujica's legacy as a president, activist, and leader.
Born in Montevideo on May 20, 1935, Mujica served as the president of Uruguay from March 1, 2010, to March 1, 2015, having won the presidency with 48% of the vote.
His political career was marked by a commitment to sobriety and a fervent dedication to addressing poverty within Uruguay.
During the civil-military dictatorship that took control after a coup d'état on June 27, 1973, Mujica was a member of the Tupamaros, an urban guerrilla group.
His involvement in this group led to a 12-year imprisonment, and he was released only in 1985 following a return to democracy.
After his release, he pursued a political career, being elected as a deputy and senator.
Between 2005 and 2008, he held the position of Minister of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries and was a key figure in the Movement of Popular Participation (MPP).
Mujica was renowned for his austere lifestyle, famously stating, "I consume what is necessary but do not accept waste," emphasizing the value of time in relation to money.
His administration was marked by progressive policies, including the legalization of abortion, the regulation of marijuana use, and the legalization of same-sex marriage.
His government also saw significant improvements in social welfare, raising the minimum wage by 250% and reducing the poverty rate from 45% to 11%.
In 2005, Mujica married Lucía Topolansky Saavedra, who also shared a history with the Tupamaros.
The couple, who lived on a farm in the outskirts of Montevideo, did not have children.
Mujica was an avid football fan, passionately supporting the local team, Club Atlético Cerro.
He garnered international attention in 2014 for his criticism of FIFA during the aftermath of the World Cup in Brazil, particularly regarding the suspension of Uruguayan player Luis Suárez.
José Mujica's life and political career left an indelible mark on Uruguayan society, where he is remembered not only for his policies but also for his profound impact on the collective consciousness of the nation.
Mujica had been suffering from esophageal cancer, which had progressed to a stage where he was receiving only palliative care.
The announcement of his death was made by the current president of Uruguay, Yamandú Orsi, who expressed his condolences on social media, highlighting Mujica's legacy as a president, activist, and leader.
Born in Montevideo on May 20, 1935, Mujica served as the president of Uruguay from March 1, 2010, to March 1, 2015, having won the presidency with 48% of the vote.
His political career was marked by a commitment to sobriety and a fervent dedication to addressing poverty within Uruguay.
During the civil-military dictatorship that took control after a coup d'état on June 27, 1973, Mujica was a member of the Tupamaros, an urban guerrilla group.
His involvement in this group led to a 12-year imprisonment, and he was released only in 1985 following a return to democracy.
After his release, he pursued a political career, being elected as a deputy and senator.
Between 2005 and 2008, he held the position of Minister of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries and was a key figure in the Movement of Popular Participation (MPP).
Mujica was renowned for his austere lifestyle, famously stating, "I consume what is necessary but do not accept waste," emphasizing the value of time in relation to money.
His administration was marked by progressive policies, including the legalization of abortion, the regulation of marijuana use, and the legalization of same-sex marriage.
His government also saw significant improvements in social welfare, raising the minimum wage by 250% and reducing the poverty rate from 45% to 11%.
In 2005, Mujica married Lucía Topolansky Saavedra, who also shared a history with the Tupamaros.
The couple, who lived on a farm in the outskirts of Montevideo, did not have children.
Mujica was an avid football fan, passionately supporting the local team, Club Atlético Cerro.
He garnered international attention in 2014 for his criticism of FIFA during the aftermath of the World Cup in Brazil, particularly regarding the suspension of Uruguayan player Luis Suárez.
José Mujica's life and political career left an indelible mark on Uruguayan society, where he is remembered not only for his policies but also for his profound impact on the collective consciousness of the nation.
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