Uruguay mourns former president Pepe Mujica, who passed away at 89 after fighting cancer. Recognized globally for his humility as the “world’s poorest president,” Mujica was acclaimed for his significant social reforms. Thousands paid their respects, underscoring his lasting legacy in Uruguay and beyond.
Montevideo, Uruguay — The nation is mourning the loss of its beloved former leader, Jose “Pepe” Mujica, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 89 after a prolonged battle with cancer. Once heralded as the “world’s poorest president,” Mujica gained international recognition for his modest lifestyle and commitment to charity during his term from 2010 to 2015.
President Yamandu Orsi, carrying the political torch from Mujica, announced three days of national mourning as the people of Uruguay began to pay their respects. A funeral procession was led on Wednesday by Orsi and Mujica’s widow, Lucia Topolansky, from the presidential headquarters to the legislative palace. The procession featured a horse-drawn carriage carrying Mujica’s coffin, embellished with the national flag, as thousands gathered along Montevideo’s main avenue to witness the tribute.
Many mourners expressed their gratitude with shouts of “Thank you, Pepe,” while others cried and waved banners with the message “Hasta siempre, Pepe,” paying homage to the revolutionary spirit often associated with Che Guevara. Mujica’s death occurred at his rural homestead near Montevideo, where he lived with his fellow former guerrilla wife, while also caring for their beloved three-legged dog.
Mujica’s legacy includes significant social reforms that have made Uruguay one of the most progressive nations in Latin America. Notably, he legalized abortion, gay marriage, and marijuana use, challenging traditional norms and pushing the boundaries of societal progress.
Around the world, fellow leftist leaders have commended Mujica’s contributions. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum referred to him as “an example for Latin America and the entire world,” while Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva praised his humanitarian legacy. Lula described Mujica’s character as one that transcended borders and ignited a spirit of unity in the region.
In a city filled with memories of Mujica’s down-to-earth approach, residents reflect on a man who embodied solidarity. Walter Larus, a waiter at a local café, remarked that Mujica was relatable and lived like the everyday citizen, unlike many of today’s politicians.
An interesting chapter in Mujica’s past involved co-founding the Tupamaros in the 1960s, a Marxist-Leninist guerrilla movement known for its radical approaches to poverty alleviation, which included robbery and eventually escalated to more violent methods. Following significant adversity and torture during Uruguay’s dictatorship from 1973 to 1985, he eventually emerged as a prominent figure in the country’s political landscape.
After establishing the largest party in the leftist coalition, he served as agriculture minister and later as president, adhering to Uruguay’s constitutional limit of one-term leadership. While he was applauded for his poverty reduction efforts, critics pointed out the challenges regarding public spending during his time in office.
Jose “Pepe” Mujica’s passing marks the end of an era for Uruguay, as the former president leaves behind a powerful legacy of humility, social reform, and inspiration—a figure deeply respected not just in his own country, but by leaders and citizens alike across the globe. His contributions toward progress in various social issues have solidified his status as a symbol of transformation, and his influence will likely endure in the hearts of the people.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
