Uruguay in grief: Ex-President José Mujica dies at the age of 89

Ex-President José Mujica Uruguays died on May 13, 2025 at the age of 89. A look back at his work.
Ex-President José Mujica Uruguays died on May 13, 2025 at the age of 89. A look back at his work. (Symbolbild/NAGW)

Uruguay in grief: Ex-President José Mujica dies at the age of 89

Montevideo, Uruguay - José Mujica, the former President Uruguays, died on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the age of 89. He succumbed to cancer that was diagnosed as esophageal cancer last year. Mujica was a formative figure of Uruguayan politics and became known worldwide as the "poorest president in the world" because he maintained a modest lifestyle and foregoing a large part of his salary. He always drove a VW Beetle and campaigned for social justice. In many of his statements, he emphasized that it was worthwhile to fight for more food and better living conditions for people. According to T-Online recognized.

mujica became known as a member of the Tupamaros Guerilla and was in custody between 1972 and 1985, where he experienced torture and isolated. After his release and amnesty in 1985, he was instrumental in the foundation of the Movimiento de Participación Popular (MPP), which was launched in 1989. His political career led him to parliament for the first time in 1995 and finally to the top of the country from 2010 to 2015. During his presidency, he pursued a left-wing pragmatic course and campaigned for various social reforms. At the end of last year he was honored by the President of Colombia and Brazil with high awards, but pointed out that he was not a man of the awards.

the legacy José Mujicas

José Mujica's death leaves a large gap in Uruguayan politics. He was known for his commitment to social justice and his commitment to the lower classes of society. His presidential period was characterized by a proactive social policy that was also supported by the social movements that played an important role in Uruguay. These movements are independent of party political ties and act against social grievances. Upper topics of their protests include human rights, working conditions and environmental issues that were also important to Mujica, such as bpb

In the last few years, the military dictatorship in Uruguay (1973-1984) had emerged many of these social movements, which were committed to the rights of citizens. In cooperation with the government, these historical moments have had a greater influence in cooperation with the government since 2005. Groups that are committed to improving school education, better employment relationships and social security are particularly active. Topics that Mujica promoted during his term. With his death, they not only lose a supporter, but also a symbol figure of change and hope for many Uruguayers.

mujica would have celebrated his 90th birthday on May 20, 2025. His unconventional lifestyle and political philosophy will remain alive and inspire the upcoming generation. In memory of his merits, it is important to continue to promote and support the social movements for which he was a stable supporter.

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OrtMontevideo, Uruguay
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