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Tengrinews.kz – Former President of Uruguay, José Mujica, known as the "world’s poorest president," has passed away.
The news was confirmed by the current President of Uruguay, Luis Lacalle Pou.
With deep sorrow, Lacalle Pou shared the news on social media:
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend Pepe Mujica. A president, a fighter, a mentor, and a leader. We will miss you dearly... Thank you for everything you gave us and for your deep love for your people,” Lacalle Pou wrote.
Mujica passed away a week before his 90th birthday.
Before his death, Mujica had been battling cancer, which was first detected in his esophagus. Despite undergoing treatment, the cancer spread to his liver.
In January, Mujica decided to stop further treatment, explaining that the decision was due to his old age and two chronic illnesses. He added that his body could no longer withstand chemotherapy or surgery and bid farewell to his fellow countrymen.
Mujica also announced he would no longer give interviews:
“Honestly, I am dying, and a warrior has the right to rest,” said the former president of Uruguay.
He shared that he had already made preparations to be buried on a small plot of land where he had lived for many years.
Why the world’s poorest president?
When Mujica served as president of Uruguay, he lived just as most of his constituents did.
Mujica refused to live in the presidential palace and instead resided on a small farm owned by his wife, located outside the capital, Montevideo. There were no servants or plumbing in their home. He took water from a well in the yard and worked the land, growing flowers with his wife. He was guarded by only two police officers and a couple of stray dogs.
Mujica donated about 90% of his salary to charity, supporting the poor and small entrepreneurs. His salary at the time was equivalent to the average income of a Uruguayan citizen - approximately $775 per month.
“I’ve lived like this for most of my life, and I’m content with what I have,” Mujica said while he was president of Uruguay.
He didn’t wear a tie and despised casual style. He didn’t own a mobile phone or a credit card.
By the time he became president, his only property was a 1987 Volkswagen Beetle. He also shared ownership of a piece of land, a tractor, and a house with his wife.
Mujica was president of Uruguay from 2010 to 2015, after which he was elected to the country’s parliament. In August 2018, at the age of 83, he submitted his resignation, even though his term was set to end in 2020. He explained that he was “tired after a long journey.” Mujica also declined his senator pension.
Mujica criticized most heads of state for being “blindly obsessed with consumption.” He was a member of the Broad Front party and had been involved in a guerrilla movement, where he was wounded several times and spent 14 years in military prisons.
