Tears as World's 'Poorest President' José Mujica Dies at 89

• Former Uruguayan president José Mujica, known as "Pepe", passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025
• Mujica was known as the world's "poorest president" because of his modest lifestyle during his time as president
• Uruguay's president from 2010 to 2015 refused to move into the presidential residence (a mansion)

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues

FCT, Abuja - Former Uruguayan President José Mujica, known as the world's "poorest president" because of his modest lifestyle, is dead.

Mujica, who governed Uruguay from 2010 to 2015, died at the age of 89.

The cause of Mujica’s death is not known, but he had been suffering from oesophageal cancer.

President Yamandú Orsi announced Mujica's death on X on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

He remarked, "Thank you for everything you gave us and for your deep love for your people."

While in office, Mujica refused to move into the presidential residence (a mansion), as heads of state around the world usually do.

Instead, he remained with his wife, Lucía Topolansky, in their modest home on the outskirts of Montevideo, with no domestic help and little security.

He drove his light blue 1987 Volkswagen Beetle and gave away a large portion of his salary, leading some media outlets to call him "the world's poorest president."

But Mujica always rejected that title: "They say I'm the poorest president. No, I'm not," he said in a 2012 interview at his home.

"Poor are those who want more [...] because they're in an endless race."

According to BBC News, Mujica served as a lawmaker, both in the Chamber of Representatives and in the Senate, the country's lower and upper houses, respectively.

In 2005, he became a minister in the first government of the Frente Amplio, the Uruguayan leftist coalition.

This was before he became Uruguay's president in 2010 at the age of 74.

He was unknown to the rest of the world when he became Uruguay's president.

During his administration, the Uruguayan economy grew at an average annual rate of 5.4%.

The rate of poverty was reduced, and unemployment remained low in the country.

His administration enjoyed a fairly favourable international context.

Mujica helped Uruguay get global attention for the passage of social laws such as the legalisation of ab@rtion, the recognition of same-sex marriage, and state regulation of the m@rijuana market.

Global leaders mourn Mujica

“All of Latin America is in mourning,” wrote former Bolivian President Evo Morales on social media.

"We are deeply pained by the passing of my brother Pepe Mujica. I will always remember his advice, full of experience and wisdom. He was a fervent believer in integration and in the Great Homeland. His teachings and great example remain. I send a hug to his family, comrades in struggle, and the Uruguayan people."

The Brazilian government also posted on X:

"The Federal Government pays tribute to José “Pepe” Mujica, former president of Uruguay and a symbol of the fight for freedom, democracy, and social justice in Latin America. Pepe Mujica dedicated his life to building a more just and supportive continent."

Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, wrote:

"RIP José Mujica, former President of #Uruguay. A man of the utmost integrity & dedication to the public good. He led a selfless life - we will not see his like again. Deepest sympathies to family & to people of Uruguay."

Former US president Jimmy Carter dies at 100

Recall that former United States president Jimmy Carter, the longest-living president, died at his home in Plains, Georgia, just months after his 100th birthday.

Serving from 1977 to 1981, Carter overcame challenges to later earn a Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work.

President Biden and former presidents Obama and Bush hailed Carter’s humility, decency, and lifelong dedication to creating a better world.

Former Nigerian president Ernest Shonekan dies in Lagos

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, Nigeria lost one of its former leaders who was ousted from office by coup, Chief Ernest Shonekan.

The octogenarian died in Lagos state, although his family members have yet to speak on the cause of his death.

Shonekan was the leader of the Interim National Government installed to succeed the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.

Legit.ng's head of politics and current affairs desk, Nurudeen Lawal, contributed global leaders' reactions to José Mujica's death to this report.

Source: Legit.ng