According to the announcement of Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi on May 14, Mr. Mujica - who was considered a leader, guide and devoted activist - passed away in the deep condolences of the people.
Mr. Mujica was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in May 2024, the disease then spread to the liver. In January this year, he announced that he would stop treatment because the disease had spread. He was given light care in his final week at his farm, where he would be buried under a will.
During his lifetime, Mr. Jose Mujica was a guerrilla veteran, participating in the armed movement in the 1960s - 1970s. He was arrested, tortured and detained for many years, until he was released in 1985. He then entered politics, founding the mass mobilization (MPP), the largest member party in the left-wing coalition in Uruguay. He has held positions from parliamentarian, agriculture minister to Uruguayan president in 2010 - 2015.
During his term as President, Mujica has been hailed as one of the most progressive leaders in Latin America. He lived a simple life, rejected luxury and spent most of the President's salary on charity. He lives with his wife on a small farm and owns the 1987 Volkswagen Beetle - his largest asset.
In 2014, an Arab prince offered to buy a car for $1 million, but he refused because he thought it would offend his friends who had contributed money to buy the car for him and his wife.
In a 2012 interview, Mujica said: I do not live in poverty. I live a rustic and proactive way. I don't need much to live on." This view reflects the stance of criticizing consumerism that he has always pursued.
After his death, many leaders in Latin America and Europe sent their condolences. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum called him "a role model for Latin America and the whole world".
Colombian President Gustavo Petro praised him as a great revolutionary. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he lived for a better world, while Guatemala President Bernardo Arevalo called him an example of authority and greatness.
Brazilian officials also expressed condolences, calling him one of the most important humanitarian of our time.
