José Mujica: Uruguay bids adieu to 'poorest president' who lived in a tin-roofed house, drove around in an old Beetle

Jose Mujica, a guerrilla-turned-president of Uruguay who won hearts through his humble lifestyle and liberal stance on issues related to civil liberties like gay marriage and legalisation of marijuana sales, has passed away. Mujica, known among Uruguans as "Pepe," led the country's leftist government from 2010 to 2015.

"It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of our comrade Pepe Mujica," President Yamandu Orsi said in a post on X. "Thank you for everything you gave us and for your deep love for your people."

The humble president

Known as the 'world's poorest president', Mujica was often seen driving around in his beat-up VW Beetle, eating at downtown restaurants frequented by working class. He rejected consumerism and ignored calls to move into the presidential mansion, opting to live with his wife, politician and former guerrilla Lucía Topolansky, in their modest home on the outskirts of Montevideo. He kept no security and had no domestic help.

Mujica also dressed casually and gave away a large portion of his salary. His fame grew outside the country, leading some media outlets to call him "the world's poorest president". His reaction: "They say I'm the poorest president. No, I'm not. Poor are those who want more [...] because they're in an endless race."

The tag followed him even after he left the office. Spending part of his time travelling the world after he stepped down as president, Mujica continued to react to the description uniquely. "So what is it that catches the world's attention? That I live with very little, a simple house, that I drive around in an old car? Then this world is crazy because it's surprised by [what is] normal."

Political legacy

Mujica, who became the President of Uruguay in 2010, was a pioneer in many aspects, marking an important moment for the Latin American left. After he ascended to power, Mujica adopted a liberal stance on issues related to civil liberties. Besides signing a law allowing gay marriage and abortions in early pregnancy, he also made Uruguay the first country in the world to legalise marijuana sales.

His administration was also able to lift Uruguay from poverty, as its economy grew at an average annual rate of 5.4%, even reducing unemployment. He also never faced criticism about corruption or a bid to undermine the country's democracy.  

However, his government did significantly increase public spending, leading his opponents to accuse him of waste. The fiscal deficit also widened during this period. He was also criticised for issues with Uruguayan education despite proclaiming that it was one of his administration's priorities.  

Mujica retired from politics in 2020, though he was always active in the political sphere. He informed the world about his battle with cancer last year. 

World