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Saturday, Dec 13, 2025
Outside the box.
José 'Pepe' Mujica, Former President of Uruguay, Passes Away at 89
Mujica, known for his radical political views and simple lifestyle, dies following a battle with cancer.
José ‘Pepe’ Mujica, the former president of Uruguay and a notable figure in leftist politics, has died at the age of 89. His passing was announced by the current president of Uruguay, Yamandú Orsi, who took to social media to honor Mujica as a 'president, activist, guide and leader.' Mujica had been undergoing treatment for esophageal cancer since being diagnosed in spring 2024.
Despite the health challenges posed by cancer, which left him physically weak and with reduced appetite, Mujica made a significant return to the political arena in fall 2024. He actively campaigned for his leftwing coalition, which succeeded in electing Orsi, a chosen candidate and protégé.
In September 2024, reports indicated that Mujica's radiation therapy had successfully reduced the size of his tumor.
However, in January 2025, it was revealed that the cancer had returned and metastasized to his liver.
Due to an autoimmune disease and other medical issues, Mujica chose not to pursue further treatment.
In what was reported as his final interview with Búsqueda, Mujica candidly discussed his condition, stating, 'Honestly, I’m dying.
A warrior has the right to rest.'
Mujica served as president from 2010 to 2015, during which he was instrumental in placing Uruguay at the forefront of social liberalism in the world.
His initiatives included the legalization of marijuana, same-sex marriage, and the introduction of one of the first comprehensive abortion rights laws in the region.
He also prioritized alternative energy, earning Uruguay recognition as a leader in sustainable practices.
Known for his exceptional lifestyle choices, Mujica famously opted to live in a modest farmhouse instead of the presidential palace and donated a significant portion of his salary to charitable causes, earning him international admiration.
His earlier years were marked by his involvement in the Tupamaros, a Marxist-Leninist urban guerrilla group he co-founded in the 1960s.
Initially focused on a Robin Hood-style approach of redistributing wealth, the group escalated its operations to include kidnappings and bombings.
Mujica himself was wounded multiple times and participated in a large-scale prison escape.
After the Tupamaros were dismantled in 1972, he was captured and imprisoned during Uruguay's military dictatorship from 1973 to 1985. He endured torture and years in solitary confinement before his eventual release.
Post-release, Mujica engaged deeply in politics, helping to establish the Movement of Popular Participation (MPP) in 1989 as part of the leftist Broad Front coalition.
His political career included a congressional term in 1995, becoming a senator in 2000, and serving as agriculture minister in Uruguay’s first left-leaning government.
Mujica held the presidency for one five-year term, adhering to Uruguay's term limits.
He is survived by his wife, Lucía Topolansky, who is also a former militant and political figure.
In his final interview, Mujica shared his philosophical reflections, emphasizing the importance of happiness over wealth, and reflecting on the fleeting nature of life.
Despite the health challenges posed by cancer, which left him physically weak and with reduced appetite, Mujica made a significant return to the political arena in fall 2024. He actively campaigned for his leftwing coalition, which succeeded in electing Orsi, a chosen candidate and protégé.
In September 2024, reports indicated that Mujica's radiation therapy had successfully reduced the size of his tumor.
However, in January 2025, it was revealed that the cancer had returned and metastasized to his liver.
Due to an autoimmune disease and other medical issues, Mujica chose not to pursue further treatment.
In what was reported as his final interview with Búsqueda, Mujica candidly discussed his condition, stating, 'Honestly, I’m dying.
A warrior has the right to rest.'
Mujica served as president from 2010 to 2015, during which he was instrumental in placing Uruguay at the forefront of social liberalism in the world.
His initiatives included the legalization of marijuana, same-sex marriage, and the introduction of one of the first comprehensive abortion rights laws in the region.
He also prioritized alternative energy, earning Uruguay recognition as a leader in sustainable practices.
Known for his exceptional lifestyle choices, Mujica famously opted to live in a modest farmhouse instead of the presidential palace and donated a significant portion of his salary to charitable causes, earning him international admiration.
His earlier years were marked by his involvement in the Tupamaros, a Marxist-Leninist urban guerrilla group he co-founded in the 1960s.
Initially focused on a Robin Hood-style approach of redistributing wealth, the group escalated its operations to include kidnappings and bombings.
Mujica himself was wounded multiple times and participated in a large-scale prison escape.
After the Tupamaros were dismantled in 1972, he was captured and imprisoned during Uruguay's military dictatorship from 1973 to 1985. He endured torture and years in solitary confinement before his eventual release.
Post-release, Mujica engaged deeply in politics, helping to establish the Movement of Popular Participation (MPP) in 1989 as part of the leftist Broad Front coalition.
His political career included a congressional term in 1995, becoming a senator in 2000, and serving as agriculture minister in Uruguay’s first left-leaning government.
Mujica held the presidency for one five-year term, adhering to Uruguay's term limits.
He is survived by his wife, Lucía Topolansky, who is also a former militant and political figure.
In his final interview, Mujica shared his philosophical reflections, emphasizing the importance of happiness over wealth, and reflecting on the fleeting nature of life.
