Jose Mujica, a former guerrilla fighter who later became Uruguay’s president, has died at the age of 89. Often referred to as “the world’s humblest president,” Mujica lived simply in a farmhouse, drove a basic Volkswagen, and donated the majority of his salary. His remarkable journey, moving from prison to the presidency, made him a distinctive and admired figure in Latin America.
Who was Jose Mujica?
Born in Montevideo on May 20, 1935, Mujica grew up in a humble household. His father, a small farmer, passed away when Mujica was young. Leaving school early, he became politically active in his teenage years. By the 1960s, he had joined the Tupamaros, a guerrilla group opposing Uruguay’s military-backed regime, involved in various armed actions, including robberies.
In 1972, Mujica was captured and endured over 14 years of imprisonment, experiencing torture and isolation. Much of that time was spent in small, underground cells, with minimal contact with the outside world.
Reflecting on his incarceration, Mujica noted its profound effects on him. He recounted moments of near insanity and delusions, even imagining conversations with Ali to cope.
He was released in 1985 as democracy returned to Uruguay.
Subsequently, he joined the Broad Front, a coalition of leftist parties, and was elected to Parliament. Later, he served as Minister of Agriculture, becoming a key figure in Uruguayan politics due to his relatable speeches and connection with rural communities.
Elected president in 2009, Mujica served from 2010 to 2015, during which Uruguay became the first country to legalize marijuana production and sales. His administration also passed laws allowing same-sex marriage and regulated abortion.
Throughout his presidency, Mujica declined to live in the official palace, opting instead for his farmhouse outside Montevideo. He allocated 90% of his salary to charity and typically rode his bike to work, embodying his commitment to a simple life with his wife, Senator Lucia Topolanski, and their three-legged dog, Manuela.
Notably, he turned down a $1 million offer for his beloved Volkswagen Beetle, insisting that any sale proceeds would go to help the homeless.
Mujica described his lifestyle as a choice rooted in principles rather than a sacrifice.
This approach drew international media attention, and he came to be known as “the poorest president in the world,” a title he dismissed.
“I’m called the ‘poorest president’, but I don’t feel poor. The truly poor are those always wanting more, trapped in a costly lifestyle,” he said in 2012.
This earned him the reputation of “The Humblest President in the World.”
Mujica advocated for marijuana legalization, arguing it would undermine drug traffickers and reduce violence. He expressed concern about the rise of “pasta base,” a low-cost cocaine derivative harming impoverished communities. He envisioned leveraging legal cannabis for social investment to alleviate law enforcement’s burden.
Once a revolutionary, Mujica adjusted his views, acknowledging that capitalism was necessary to finance public services and emphasizing the need for reform within existing systems.
While critics claimed he had strayed from his radical ideals, Mujica maintained that ideology shouldn’t hinder addressing real issues.
Under his presidency, Uruguay’s economy grew, bolstered by exports to China. Poverty rates declined, and minimum wages increased, though some reforms, like a land tax, faced legal obstacles.
After leaving office, Mujica remained vocal on global issues like climate change and inequality, stressing the dangers of overconsumption and the importance of long-term thinking. He didn’t seek to return to office, but he continued to be an influential public figure.
