Uruguay honors former president Jose “Pepe” Mujica, who died at 89 after battling cancer. Known as the “world’s poorest president,” he was famed for his humility, charitable actions, and progressive reforms during his presidency. A national mourning was proclaimed, with significant participation from citizens commemorating his impact on the nation and beyond.
Montevideo (AFP) – Uruguay commenced three days of national mourning on Wednesday to honor former president Jose “Pepe” Mujica, a prominent figure in the country’s history and a symbol of simplicity and humility. Mujica, who gained international recognition as the “world’s poorest president,” passed away at the age of 89 after a year-long struggle with cancer. He had famously spent over a decade in prison for his actions as a leftist guerrilla fighter.
The mourning was officially declared by the current president, Yamandu Orsi, who succeeded Mujica. On Wednesday morning, Orsi and Mujica’s widow, Lucia Topolansky, initiated a funeral procession from the presidential palace to the legislative palace, where his body will lay in state. Thousands of mourners filled Montevideo’s main avenue to witness the somber parade, with the coffin transported by a horse-drawn carriage draped in the Uruguayan flag.
Emotions ran high among the crowd as some shouted, “Thank you, Pepe,” while others shed tears in remembrance. Many mourners held banners that read “Hasta siempre, Pepe,” echoing the revolutionary sentiments associated with Argentine icon Che Guevara. Mujica’s passing occurred at his rural home on the outskirts of Montevideo, which highlighted his connection to a simple and grounded lifestyle.
During his presidency from 2010 to 2015, Mujica made headlines not just for his policies but for his radical altruism, donating most of his salary to charities and living a modest life with his wife and their three-legged dog. His leadership marked a transformative period for Uruguay, making it one of the most progressive nations in Latin America by legalizing abortion, same-sex marriage, and recreational cannabis.
He drew admiration from leftist leaders across Latin America and Europe for his impactful governance. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called him an inspiration for Latin America and the world at large. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva shared similar thoughts, asserting that Mujica’s legacy formed a “song of unity and fraternity” that resonates beyond Uruguay’s borders.
As mourners gathered in Montevideo, they reflected on the authenticity of Mujica’s character. Walter Larus, a waiter and local patron, remarked, “He felt and lived like ordinary people, not like today’s politicians.” Mujica co-founded the Tupamaros, a Marxist-Leninist guerrilla movement in the 1960s that initially targeted the wealthy but escalated to more extreme tactics such as kidnappings and bombings.
After enduring torture and imprisonment during Uruguay’s long dictatorship from 1973 to 1985, Mujica emerged to form the largest party in the ruling leftist Broad Front coalition. His legacy is marked not only by his time as agriculture minister but also by his presidency, during which he was lauded for addressing poverty, though criticized for his management of public finances. He and Topolansky lived without children but fostered a legacy proud of their humble beginnings and the nation’s advancements under Mujica’s guidance.
His death signifies the end of an era for Uruguay, a nation that, through his leadership, emphasized social justice, equality, and a down-to-earth approach to governance.
In summary, Uruguay honors the legacy of its former president Jose “Pepe” Mujica, a beloved figure remembered for his humility and impactful leadership. He inspired many across Latin America with his progressive reforms, while also embodying the spirit of simplicity in life and governance. His passing has prompted national mourning as citizens remember a leader who championed social justice and embodied the essence of solidarity.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr