The former Uruguayan president José Mujica, affectionately known as ‘Pepe’, passed away at the age of 89. Current leader Yamandú Orsi announced his death on Tuesday (May 13, 2025). Mujica served as president of Uruguay from 2010 to 2015 and was famously known as the ‘world’s poorest president’ because he donated almost all of his salary to a social housing program.
Mujica, a former guerrilla fighter who endured torture and spent 13 years in prison during the military dictatorship (1973-1985), later became an elected legislator, senator, minister, and eventually led a nation of 3.4 million people. During his presidency, Uruguay became a pioneer in Latin America by adopting progressive measures such as legalizing abortion, same-sex marriage, and cannabis.
In January, Mujica revealed that his esophageal cancer had metastasized to his liver, and he chose to stop treatment. “Honestly, I’m dying,” he said at the time. “My cycle is complete. The warrior has the right to rest. Let me be left alone. Don’t ask for more interviews or other things,” he added.
“We thank you for everything you gave us and for your deep love for your people,” wrote current Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi on X (formerly Twitter). Just yesterday (May 12, 2025), Mujica’s wife, Lucía Topolansky, mentioned that her husband’s cancer had reached its final stage and that the 89-year-old former president was receiving palliative care to ease his pain.