Death of José “Pepe” Mujica

José Mujica – former President of Uruguay (2010–2015) and an iconic leftist leader – died at the age of 89 in Montevideo.

. A former guerrilla fighter turned statesman, Mujica was internationally admired for his humble lifestyle (famously driving an old VW Beetle) and progressive reforms. During his presidency he legalized cannabis, as well as same-sex marriage and broad abortion rights, policies that were pioneering in socially conservative Latin America.

Mujica’s passing marked the end of an era for Uruguay and Latin American politics. Revered as the “world’s poorest president” for eschewing luxury, he became a global symbol of integrity and social progressivism in governance. World leaders and citizens alike mourned him, reflecting on how his legacy – championing social justice, simplicity in leadership, and bold policy experiments – continues to inspire movements for compassionate, reformist politics worldwide.