Former Uruguay President Mujica Dies Aged 89, Latin America Mourns

Jose "Pepe" Mujica, the former president of Uruguay from 2010 to 2015, passed away at the age of 89 after battling esophageal cancer. Known as the "world's poorest president," Mujica was revered for his humble lifestyle, giving away most of his presidential salary to charity and living simply on his farm with his wife and dog. He was an ex-guerrilla fighter who spent nearly 14 years in prison before leading Uruguay, where he implemented progressive policies including the legalization of marijuana. Mujica's death prompted widespread tributes from Latin American and European leaders, with Uruguay's current president Yamandu Orsi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva praising his legacy of humility, activism, and unity. The Uruguayan government declared three days of national mourning, and Mujica's body was set to lie in state at the legislative palace. His life and presidency remain an example of austerity and progressive leadership admired globally.