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José 'Pepe' Mujica, Former Uruguayan President and Global Icon, Dies at 89

Uruguay declares three days of mourning as tributes pour in for the ex-guerrilla fighter turned progressive leader known for his humility and transformative reforms.

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Overview

  • José Mujica, Uruguay's president from 2010 to 2015, passed away at age 89 after battling esophageal cancer and choosing to halt treatment earlier this year.
  • Current President Yamandú Orsi announced Mujica's death and declared a national mourning period, with his body to be laid in state at the parliamentary palace.
  • Mujica's presidency was marked by economic growth, poverty reduction, and landmark reforms including legalizing cannabis, same-sex marriage, and abortion.
  • Known as the 'poorest president in the world,' Mujica lived on a modest farm, drove an old VW Beetle, and donated most of his salary to social causes.
  • Global leaders, including those from Latin America and Europe, have honored Mujica as a moral exemplar and a symbol of integrity, simplicity, and progressive leadership.