Jose “Pepe” Mujica, the former President of Uruguay renowned for his austered lifestyle and progressive reforms, has passed away at the age of 89.
Mujica, a former guerrilla leader with Tupamaros movement, served as Uruguay’s 40th President from 2010- 2015.
He was admired globally for his humility, living in a modest farm and donating approximately 90% of his monthly salary to charity, earning him the nickname “the world’s poorest President”.
During his tenure, he gave up his salary, drove an old Volkswagen (VW) Beetle.
He lived a very simple life on his farm, with his fellow ex-guerrilla wife.
During his Presidency, Mujica implemented significantly social reforms, including the legalization of same-sex marriage, abortion, and sale of marijuana, positioning Uruguay as a leader in civil liberties in Latin America.
The Government has announced a 7-day official mourning and a state burial.
Mujica’s legacy as a principled leader and advocate for equality is mourned across Latin America and the world at large.
-9News Nigeria.
