'World's Most Humble President' Jose Mujica of Uruguay Passes Away

Passed Away at 89... Achievements in Economic Development and Poverty Reduction
Controversy Over the World's First Legalization of Marijuana

Former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica after casting his vote in the presidential election last June. Photo by AFP

Former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica, who was known as "the world's most humble president," passed away on the 13th (local time). He was 89 years old.

President Yamandu Orsi of Uruguay paid tribute on his X (formerly Twitter) account that day, saying, "I will truly miss my comrade, Pepe Mujica," and added, "He was a president, an activist, a role model for society, and a beloved elder."

Former President Mujica, who was a member of the guerrilla group Tupamaros that fought against the dictatorship, served as president from March 2010 to February 2015. He was credited with contributing to Uruguay's economic development and poverty reduction, and he completed his term with a high approval rating of 65%.

Nicknamed "Pepe," former President Mujica was a prominent figure in Uruguayan politics and a left-wing icon recognized internationally.

He donated most of his presidential salary to social organizations and was known for his frugal lifestyle, driving a sky-blue 1987 Volkswagen Beetle. For this, he was called "the world's poorest president."

During his presidency, Mujica implemented progressive policies that sparked controversy. He legalized same-sex marriage in a country with strong Catholic traditions, and made Uruguay the first country in the world to fully legalize recreational marijuana.

Even after leaving office, he remained active in politics until he retired from public life in 2020, stepping down from his position as a senator.

Former President Mujica was also famous for his life philosophy and memorable quotes. Phrases such as "Life does not have a price tag, so I am not poor," "Power does not change people, it only reveals who they truly are," "We are destroying real forests and creating anonymous concrete jungles," and "The only healthy addiction is the addiction to love" are still widely quoted.

Last year, former President Mujica revealed that he had been battling esophageal cancer. Even during his illness, he shared a message to young people, saying, "Life is beautiful, but I want every young person to know that you can become exhausted and fall," and added, "What matters is to start over every time you fall, and to turn anger into hope."