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3w ago

Uruguay Mourns Former President José Mujica, Champion of Humility and Social Reform

The 89-year-old ex-guerrilla fighter and progressive leader is honored with a state funeral as thousands gather to pay their respects.

FILE - Uruguay's President Jose Mujica poses for a photo with his dog, Manuela, at his home on the outskirts of Montevideo, Uruguay, May 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico, File)
FILE - Presidential candidate Jose Mujica drinks mate during a closing campaign rally in Pando, Uruguay, Oct. 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico, File)
Supporters walk behind the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica during his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
FILE - TO HOLD - Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica arrives to cast his vote in Montevideo, Uruguay, Oct. 26, 2014. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, File)

Overview

  • José Mujica, Uruguay's former president known for his modest lifestyle and transformative policies, has died at 89 after a battle with metastatic esophageal cancer.
  • Uruguay has declared three days of national mourning, with his coffin lying in state at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo for public tributes.
  • Mujica's presidency (2010-2015) saw groundbreaking reforms, including the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage, and recreational cannabis, making Uruguay a global model for social liberalization.
  • World leaders, including those from Latin America and Europe, praised Mujica's wisdom, humility, and commitment to democracy and social justice.
  • A former guerrilla fighter and political prisoner, Mujica's journey from insurgency to presidency symbolized Uruguay's reconciliation and democratic evolution.