Remembering Jose Mujica: The Inspiring Legacy of Uruguay’s Former President Who Passed Away at 89

Jose Mujica, affectionately known as "Pepe," captured hearts around the world with his humble lifestyle and bold reforms. As president of Uruguay, he earned a monthly salary of $12,500 but chose to live on just $1,250, donating the rest. Mujica was famously attached to his old VW Beetle, refusing a million-dollar offer for it.

Born in 1935 in Montevideo to a modest farming family, Mujica lost his father young and started working on their flower farm with his sister. Though he studied law, his passion for change led him to the student movement and ultimately to founding the Tupamaros, a guerrilla group aiming for a classless society during a time of high unemployment in the 1960s. They resorted to extreme measures, robbing banks and kidnapping, which led to Mujica spending 14 years in prison, where he endured solitary confinement and torture.

After Uruguay’s military dictatorship ended in 1985, Mujica was released. He, along with his wife Lucía, returned to farming and engaged in politics. Over the years, the Tupamaros evolved into the left-wing party Movimiento de Participación Popular. Mujica’s rise in politics was marked by his unassuming style—he often arrived at parliament on a moped, and his laid-back dress, usually a cardigan and sandals, made headlines. President Obama once complimented him on his authenticity.

Mujica’s presidency was transformative. He legalized gay marriage and abortion, becoming a pioneer in Latin America. He also fought hard to improve social issues; poverty and unemployment rates fell significantly during his term. His push to legalize cannabis for recreational use stirred controversy, yet he saw it as a progressive step for the small nation.

Despite facing setbacks, like stalled education reforms and infrastructure projects, Mujica’s reputation remained intact. He was seen as a rarity in Latin American politics—untainted by corruption. His straightforwardness endeared him to many; he once candidly criticized FIFA officials after a World Cup loss.

After stepping down in 2015, Mujica continued to influence politics, including mediating peace talks between Colombia and FARC in Cuba. He hosted a special program on political matters until his passing in May 2025 at the age of 89.

Mujica exemplified a new kind of political culture, one centered around authenticity and integrity. He famously remarked, “It is not the man who has little, but the man who craves more, who is poor.” His legacy serves as a reminder of the impact a single, dedicated individual can have on social change and political integrity.

For more insights on Mujica’s impact and contemporaries, explore the Council on Foreign Relations and other trusted resources.

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