Latest news with #Jose"Pepe"Mujica
Economic Times
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Latin America mourns world's 'poorest president' Mujica, dead at 89
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Tributes poured in from across Latin America on Tuesday following the death of Uruguay 's former president Jose "Pepe" Mujica, an ex-guerrilla fighter revered by the left for his humility and progressive iconic 89-year-old -- who spent a dozen years behind bars for revolutionary activity -- lost his battle against cancer after announcing in January that the disease had spread and he would stop treatment."With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our comrade Pepe Mujica . President, activist, guide and leader. We will miss you greatly, old friend," Uruguay's current president, Yamandu Orsi, posted on X."Pepe, eternal!" a cyclist shouted out minutes later, while passing government earned the moniker " world's poorest president " during his 2010-2015 presidency for giving away much of his salary to charity and living a simple life on his farm, with his fellow ex-guerrilla wife and three-legged government announced three days of national mourning and said his body would be taken to the legislative palace on Wednesday to lie in from Mujica's Movement of Popular Participation (MPP) gathered outside the party's headquarters to make giant banners marked "Hasta siempre, viejo querido" (Until forever, old friend).Leftist leaders from across Latin America and Europe paid tribute to the man described by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum as an "example for Latin America and the entire world."Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva echoed that message."His human greatness transcended the borders of Uruguay and his presidential mandate. The wisdom of his words formed a true song of unity and fraternity for Latin America," Lula said in a the Madison, an unassuming corner cafe in central Montevideo, waiter Walter Larus recalled Mujica popping in for a steak shortly after winning office."He felt and lived like ordinary people, not like today's politicians who seem rich," the 53-year-old waiter a 2012 AFP interview, Mujica denied being poor, saying his was, rather, a life of "austerity.""I need little to live," he transformed Uruguay, a prosperous country of 3.4 million people best known for football and ranching, into one of Latin America's most progressive later life, he was disappointed at the authoritarian drift of some left-wing governments, accusing repressive leaders in Venezuela and Nicaragua of "messing things up."He was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus in May last year, and it spread to his wife Lucia Topolansky said this week he was receiving palliative the course of five years in power, Mujica legalized abortion and gay marriage and made Uruguay the first country to legalize the use of recreational continued to campaign for the left after his cancer diagnosis, working fervently on the successful election campaign of history teacher Orsi, his political Bolivian president Evo Morales hailed his "experience and wisdom," while Brazil's government bid farewell to "one of the most important humanists of our time."Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Mujica had lived for "a better world," while Guatemala's Bernardo Arevalo held him up as "an example of humility and greatness."The blunt-spoken, snowy-haired farmer was a fierce critic of attended official events in sandals and continued living on his small holding on the outskirts of Montevideo, where his prized possession was a 1987 Volkswagen the 1960s, he co-founded the Marxist-Leninist urban guerrilla movement Tupamaros, which started out robbing from the rich to give to the poor but later escalated its campaign to kidnappings, bombings and those years, Mujica lived a life of derring-do. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and took part in a mass prison when the Tupamaros collapsed in 1972, he was recaptured and spent all of Uruguay's 1973-1985 dictatorship in prison, where he was tortured and spent years in solitary his release, he threw himself into politics and in 1989 founded the MPP, the largest member of the leftist Broad Front to congress in 1995, he became a senator in 2000 and then agriculture minister in Uruguay's first-ever left-wing president, he was praised for his fight against poverty but criticized for failing to rein in public is survived by his wife Topolansky. They had no asked to be buried on his farm, next to his dog.
Miami Herald
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Uruguay declares three days of national mourning for former President Jose ‘Pepe' Mujica
May 14 (UPI) -- The Uruguayan government has declared three days of national mourning in honor of the late former President Jose "Pepe" Mujica. Political and social leaders across Latin America expressed their condolences with heartfelt tributes, describing Mujica, who died Tuesday, May 13, at the age of 89 after a battle with esophageal cancer, as a global ethical beacon and a living symbol of integrity, humility, and dedication to social justice. A former guerrilla and prominent leftist figure in Latin America, Mujica was widely respected across the political spectrum for his willingness to engage in dialogue with all sectors. Due to his modest lifestyle, he was often referred to as "the world's poorest president." In 1964, when Uruguay was still known as the "Switzerland of the Americas" for its democratic stability and social equity, Mujica joined the nascent National Liberation Movement, known as the Tupamaros, a guerrilla group that would gain regional notoriety. There, he met his wife, Lucía Topolansky, with whom he shared a lifelong commitment to politics. Mujica was imprisoned four times and managed to escape twice. During one arrest, he was severely wounded in a confrontation with the military. From 1972 to 1985, Uruguay's military dictatorship held Mujica and 11 other political leaders as "hostages" to deter attacks on military officials. Following the return of democracy on March 1, 1985, a general amnesty law freed all members of the Tupamaro movement. In the 1990s, Mujica helped found the Movement of Popular Participation, which became part of the Broad Front-Progressive Encounter, the left-wing coalition that brought him to power in the 2009 presidential elections. Throughout the early 2000s, Mujica and Topolansky's austere lifestyle -- living in a modest home and driving an old Volkswagen Beetle -- stood in stark contrast to the wave of corruption scandals sweeping global politics. Their image resonated as a counterpoint to material excess and political dishonesty. "What surprises the world? That I live with few things, in a simple house, and that I drive an old car? If that's surprising, then the world has gone mad-because that's just normal." Mujica reflected on the international fascination with his way of life, in an interview with BBC Mundo. Though rooted in socialist ideals, Mujica was known for his pragmatism. He acknowledged the importance of economic growth under capitalism but also criticized the system's emphasis on consumerism and its role in perpetuating poverty. At the same time, he maintained a critical and nuanced stance toward communism, especially in its more authoritarian forms. Mujica's body will lie in state at the Hall of the Lost Steps in Uruguay's Legislative Palace, a venue traditionally reserved for official state honors. The funeral will be held on Friday, 16th, with political and civil society leaders from across the continent expected to attend. Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Uruguay declares three days of national mourning for former President Jose 'Pepe' Mujica
May 14 (UPI) -- The Uruguayan government has declared three days of national mourning in honor of the late former President Jose "Pepe" Mujica. Political and social leaders across Latin America expressed their condolences with heartfelt tributes, describing Mujica, who died Tuesday, May 13, at the age of 89 after a battle with esophageal cancer, as a global ethical beacon and a living symbol of integrity, humility, and dedication to social justice. A former guerrilla and prominent leftist figure in Latin America, Mujica was widely respected across the political spectrum for his willingness to engage in dialogue with all sectors. Due to his modest lifestyle, he was often referred to as "the world's poorest president." In 1964, when Uruguay was still known as the "Switzerland of the Americas" for its democratic stability and social equity, Mujica joined the nascent National Liberation Movement, known as the Tupamaros, a guerrilla group that would gain regional notoriety. There, he met his wife, Lucía Topolansky, with whom he shared a lifelong commitment to politics. Mujica was imprisoned four times and managed to escape twice. During one arrest, he was severely wounded in a confrontation with the military. From 1972 to 1985, Uruguay's military dictatorship held Mujica and 11 other political leaders as "hostages" to deter attacks on military officials. Following the return of democracy on March 1, 1985, a general amnesty law freed all members of the Tupamaro movement. In the 1990s, Mujica helped found the Movement of Popular Participation, which became part of the Broad Front-Progressive Encounter, the left-wing coalition that brought him to power in the 2009 presidential elections. Throughout the early 2000s, Mujica and Topolansky's austere lifestyle -- living in a modest home and driving an old Volkswagen Beetle -- stood in stark contrast to the wave of corruption scandals sweeping global politics. Their image resonated as a counterpoint to material excess and political dishonesty. "What surprises the world? That I live with few things, in a simple house, and that I drive an old car? If that's surprising, then the world has gone mad-because that's just normal." Mujica reflected on the international fascination with his way of life, in an interview with BBC Mundo. Though rooted in socialist ideals, Mujica was known for his pragmatism. He acknowledged the importance of economic growth under capitalism but also criticized the system's emphasis on consumerism and its role in perpetuating poverty. At the same time, he maintained a critical and nuanced stance toward communism, especially in its more authoritarian forms. Mujica's body will lie in state at the Hall of the Lost Steps in Uruguay's Legislative Palace, a venue traditionally reserved for official state honors. The funeral will be held on Friday, 16th, with political and civil society leaders from across the continent expected to attend.
Korea Herald
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Uruguay's 'poorest president' Mujica dies aged 89
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AFP) — Uruguay's former president Jose "Pepe" Mujica, an ex-guerrilla fighter and hero of the Latin American left, has died at the age of 89, the government said Tuesday. "With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our comrade Pepe Mujica. President, activist, guide and leader. We will miss you greatly, old friend," the country's current president, Yamandu Orsi, said on X. Mujica won fame as the "world's poorest president" for giving away much of his salary to charity and adopting a humble lifestyle during his 2010-2015 presidency. He transformed Uruguay, a country of 3.4 million people best known for soccer and beef, into a bastion of progressive politics on a continent plagued by corruption and strongman rule. In May 2024, he was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus, which later spread to his liver. His wife Lucia Topolansky said this week he was receiving palliative care. Tributes poured in from leaders of the left across Latin America and beyond. Former Bolivian president Evo Morales said he was saddened by the passing of his "brother" Mujica. "I always remember his advice, full of experience and wisdom," he said. Brazil's government hailed him as "one of the most important humanists of our time" while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said what Mujica "believed in, campaigned for, and lived for" was "a better world." Over the course of his short stint in power, Mujica legalized abortion and gay marriage and made Uruguay the first country in the world to legalize the use of recreational cannabis. He continued to campaign for the left after receiving his cancer diagnosis. In a November 2024 interview with Agence France-Presse he described the presidential victory of his political heir, history teacher Orsi, as "a reward" at the end of his career. Sitting in a bar in Montevideo, Carlos Casal, a 71-year-old retiree, remembered Mujica as "a good person" who was "humble and hardworking." From prison to politics The blunt-spoken, snowy-haired politician was a fierce critic of consumer culture. As president he rejected the trappings of office. He attended official events in sandals and continued living on his small farm on the outskirts of Montevideo, where his prized possession was a 1987 Volkswagen Beetle. In the 1960s, he co-founded the Marxist-Leninist urban guerrilla movement Tupamaros, which started out robbing from the rich to give to the poor but later escalated its campaign to kidnappings, bombings and assassinations. During those years, Mujica lived a life of derring-do. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and took part in a mass prison breakout. But when the Tupamaros collapsed in 1972, he was recaptured and spent all of Uruguay's 1973-1985 dictatorship in prison, where he was tortured and spent years in solitary confinement. After his release, he threw himself into politics and in 1989 founded the Movement of Popular Participation (MPP), the largest member of the leftist Broad Front coalition. Elected to congress in 1995, he became a senator in 2000 and then agriculture minister in Uruguay's first-ever left-wing government. He served just one five-year term as president, in line with Uruguay's term limits. Mujica had no children.
Eyewitness News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Latin America mourns world's 'poorest president' Mujica, dead at 89
MONTEVIDEO - Tributes poured in from across Latin America on Tuesday following the death of Uruguay's former president Jose "Pepe" Mujica, an ex-guerrilla fighter revered by the left for his humility and progressive politics. The iconic 89-year-old -- who spent a dozen years behind bars for revolutionary activity -- lost his battle against cancer after announcing in January that the disease had spread and he would stop treatment. "With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our comrade Pepe Mujica. President, activist, guide and leader. We will miss you greatly, old friend," Uruguay's current president, Yamandu Orsi, posted on X. "Pepe, eternal!" a cyclist shouted out minutes later, while passing government buildings. Mujica earned the moniker "world's poorest president" during his 2010-2015 presidency for giving away much of his salary to charity and living a simple life on his farm, with his fellow ex-guerrilla wife and three-legged dog. The government announced three days of national mourning and said his body would be taken to the legislative palace on Wednesday to lie in state. Activists from Mujica's Movement of Popular Participation (MPP) gathered outside the party's headquarters to make giant banners marked "Hasta siempre, viejo querido" (Until forever, old friend). Leftist leaders from across Latin America and Europe paid tribute to the man described by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum as an "example for Latin America and the entire world." Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva echoed that message. "His human greatness transcended the borders of Uruguay and his presidential mandate. The wisdom of his words formed a true song of unity and fraternity for Latin America," Lula said in a statement. 'LIKE ORDINARY PEOPLE' At the Madison, an unassuming corner cafe in central Montevideo, waiter Walter Larus recalled Mujica popping in for a steak shortly after winning office. "He felt and lived like ordinary people, not like today's politicians who seem rich," the 53-year-old waiter said. In a 2012 AFP interview, Mujica denied being poor, saying his was, rather, a life of "austerity." "I need little to live," he said. He transformed Uruguay, a prosperous country of 3.4 million people best known for football and ranching, into one of Latin America's most progressive societies. In later life, he was disappointed at the authoritarian drift of some left-wing governments, accusing repressive leaders in Venezuela and Nicaragua of "messing things up." He was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus in May last year, and it spread to his liver. His wife Lucia Topolansky said this week he was receiving palliative care. 'HUMILITY AND GREATNESS' Over the course of five years in power, Mujica legalized abortion and gay marriage and made Uruguay the first country to legalize the use of recreational cannabis. He continued to campaign for the left after his cancer diagnosis, working fervently on the successful election campaign of history teacher Orsi, his political heir. Former Bolivian president Evo Morales hailed his "experience and wisdom," while Brazil's government bid farewell to "one of the most important humanists of our time." Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Mujica had lived for "a better world," while Guatemala's Bernardo Arevalo held him up as "an example of humility and greatness." FROM PRISON TO POLITICS The blunt-spoken, snowy-haired farmer was a fierce critic of consumerism. He attended official events in sandals and continued living on his small holding on the outskirts of Montevideo, where his prized possession was a 1987 Volkswagen Beetle. In the 1960s, he co-founded the Marxist-Leninist urban guerrilla movement Tupamaros, which started out robbing from the rich to give to the poor but later escalated its campaign to kidnappings, bombings and assassinations. During those years, Mujica lived a life of derring-do. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and took part in a mass prison breakout. But when the Tupamaros collapsed in 1972, he was recaptured and spent all of Uruguay's 1973-1985 dictatorship in prison, where he was tortured and spent years in solitary confinement. After his release, he threw himself into politics and in 1989 founded the MPP, the largest member of the leftist Broad Front coalition. Elected to congress in 1995, he became a senator in 2000 and then agriculture minister in Uruguay's first-ever left-wing government. As president, he was praised for his fight against poverty but criticized for failing to rein in public spending. He is survived by his wife Topolansky. They had no children. Mujica asked to be buried on his farm, next to his dog.
