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<h2>José Mujica, Former President of Uruguay, Passes Away</h2>
<p>José Mujica, affectionately known as "Pepe," has died at the age of 89. The ex-guerrilla leader served as Uruguay's president from 2010 to 2015 and was famously recognized as the world's "poorest president" due to his simple lifestyle.</p>
<p>Current President Yamandú Orsi announced Mujica's passing on X, expressing gratitude for his contributions and love for the people of Uruguay. The cause of his death has not been disclosed, although Mujica had been battling esophageal cancer.</p>
<h2>A Legacy of Simplicity and Reform</h2>
<p>Mujica's humble approach to leadership, coupled with his critiques of consumer culture, earned him recognition both in Latin America and globally. His administration was notable for legalizing recreational marijuana, with his legacy sparking some debates in the nation of 3.4 million residents.</p>
<p>Despite being seen as an outsider by some, Mujica's political roots ran deep. He credited his passion for politics to his mother, who raised him in a middle-class household in Montevideo. Initially aligned with the National Party, he later co-founded the Tupamaros National Liberation Movement (MLN-T) in the 1960s.</p>
<h2>From Captivity to Leadership</h2>
<p>Mujica faced multiple prison sentences during the military dictatorship, enduring torture and challenging conditions before gaining freedom in 1985 as Uruguay transitioned back to democracy. He often recounted that his release was the happiest moment of his life, far surpassing his presidential achievements.</p>
<p>After his release, Mujica served as a lawmaker and held various positions within the government, eventually becoming minister prior to his presidency in 2010. His election symbolized a significant moment for leftist politics in Latin America, placing him in a cohort with leaders like Lula da Silva and Hugo Chávez.</p>
<h2>A Unique Presidency</h2>
<p>During his presidency, Mujica stood out not only for his policies but also for choosing to live in a modest home instead of the presidential residence. His down-to-earth lifestyle, including driving his vintage Volkswagen Beetle and donating a substantial portion of his salary, led to the epithet "the world's poorest president," a title he rejected, asserting that true poverty lies in insatiable desire.</p>
<p>While his administration did witness an increase in public spending, trailing criticism centered on failing to improve the education system. Mujica, however, was never accused of corruption and maintained a high approval rating, leaving office with nearly 70% popularity.</p>
<h2>The End of an Era</h2>
<p>Retiring from politics in 2020, Mujica remained a significant figure in Uruguay. His successor, Yamandú Orsi, was elected president in November 2024. Last year, Mujica disclosed his cancer diagnosis, and reflections on mortality became more commonplace, yet he approached death with acceptance. In a final interview, he remarked, "One knows that death is inevitable. And perhaps it's like the salt of life."</p>
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