Former Uruguayan President and Ex-Guerrilla Leader Jose Pepe Mujica passes away at 89, leaving behind a legacy of radical change and a commitment to social justice.
José ‘Pepe’ Mujica, the former guerrilla and ex-president of Uruguay, has died at the age of 89. His life was marked by radical transformation, both in his personal and political journey.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Mujica’s life took a dramatic turn when he co-founded the Marxist-Leninist urban guerrilla movement Tupamaros in the 1960s. The group started out robbing from the rich to give to the poor but later escalated its campaign to kidnappings, bombings, and assassinations. Mujica lived a life of derring-do, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds and taking part in a mass prison breakout.
José Mujica, also known as 'Pepe,' served as the President of Uruguay from 2010 to 2015.
A former guerrilla fighter and politician, he was a key figure in the country's transition to democracy.
Known for his humble lifestyle, Mujica lived on a small farm, where he grew roses to sell and donated most of his presidential salary to charity.
He implemented policies promoting social justice, environmental protection, and LGBTQ+ rights.
During his presidency, Uruguay became one of the most progressive countries in South America.
However, when the Tupamaros collapsed in 1972, he was recaptured and spent all of Uruguay’s 1973-1985 dictatorship in prison, where he was tortured and spent years in solitary confinement. After his release, he threw himself into politics and founded the Movement of Popular Participation (MPP), the largest member of the leftist Broad Front coalition.
A President for the People
In 2010, Mujica became president of Uruguay, a position he held until 2015. During his presidency, he oversaw the transformation of his small South American nation into one of the world’s most socially liberal democracies. He earned admiration at home and cult status abroad for legalizing marijuana and same-sex marriage, enacting the region’s first sweeping abortion rights law, and establishing Uruguay as a leader in alternative energy.
Located in the southeastern region of South America, Uruguay is a small country with a rich history and culture.
With a population of approximately 3.5 million people, Uruguay is known for its beautiful coastline, rolling hills, and vibrant cities.
The capital city, Montevideo, is a popular tourist destination, offering a mix of colonial architecture, cultural attractions, and modern amenities.
Uruguay is also famous for its progressive policies, including same-sex marriage and cannabis legalization.
Visitors can enjoy the country's stunning beaches, try local cuisine such as chivito sandwiches and parrillada, or explore the scenic countryside by horseback or bike.
Mujica sparked global fascination by shunning the presidential palace to live in a tiny farmhouse and donating most of his salary to charity. His simple lifestyle and radical philosophy fascinated people around the world.
A Final Interview
In his final interview with weekly magazine Búsqueda, Mujica reflected on life and politics. ‘Life is a beautiful adventure and a miracle,’ he said. ‘We are too focused on wealth and not on happiness. We are focused only on doing things – before you know it – life has passed you by.’ When asked if this was the world’s most radical president, Mujica replied, ‘A warrior has the right to rest.’
A Lasting Legacy
José Mujica leaves behind a legacy of radical change and a commitment to social justice. His life was marked by courage, conviction, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. As he said in his final interview, ‘Life is a beautiful adventure and a miracle.’
