Former Uruguay President José Mujica Dies at 89

José 'Pepe' Mujica, former president of Uruguay and a former Marxist guerrilla leader, died at age 89 after battling esophageal cancer that later spread to his liver, leading him to suspend treatment and seek peace in his final days. Mujica, who began as a leader of the Tupamaros guerrilla movement in the 1960s, was imprisoned harshly during Uruguay's military dictatorship but later transitioned into a respected political figure, serving as president from 2010 to 2015. Known as 'the poorest president in the world,' he donated most of his presidential salary to charity and lived a modest life on a small farm, driving an old Volkswagen Beetle. His presidency was marked by progressive reforms including the legalization of marijuana, same-sex marriage, and abortion rights, transforming Uruguay into one of the most socially liberal and healthy democracies in the region. Mujica's humility, simple lifestyle, and candid philosophy earned him admiration both in Latin America and globally. The Uruguayan government and public mourned his passing, celebrating his legacy as a militant, leader, and advocate for social justice.