José Mujica, the former President of Uruguay and a humble figure who transformed his country while captivating the world, has passed away at the age of 89, as announced by current Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi.
Mujica is regarded as one of the most significant political figures in Uruguay’s history, known for his modesty and simple way of living. He played a crucial role in implementing notable changes in the nation, earning widespread admiration internationally.
In 2009, he ran for the presidency as a candidate for the leftist coalition “Broad Front” and won in the second round, officially taking office on March 1, 2010.
He believed strongly in the importance of investing in education for the advancement of society, stating, “An educated people have the best life choices and are less likely to fall prey to the schemes of corrupt individuals.”
He gained recognition in May 2015 when, according to the UN Refugee Agency, he announced his country’s willingness to welcome 100 orphaned Syrian children who were forced to flee their homeland along with adult guardians, offering them shelter in his summer home.
Mujica was known for his candid speeches, openly criticizing consumerism at the “Rio +20” conference in 2012 and urging world leaders at the United Nations in New York in 2013 to refrain from attending extravagant summits that yielded no real outcomes.
He was often referred to as the “poorest president in the world,” as he only kept 10% of his monthly salary of $12,500, donating the rest to charity. International media reported that he had no bank accounts or debts, and the most valuable possession he claimed to have was his old Volkswagen Beetle, worth approximately $1,945.