Former Uruguayan President José Alberto “Pepe” Mujica Cordano died on Tuesday (13) at the age of 89. The information was confirmed by Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi. The former leader left a legacy in Uruguayan politics for being a protagonist in the transformation of the Frente Ampla, today the country’s main left-wing coalition.
According to his wife, former Vice President Lucía Topolansky, Pepe was in a “terminal condition” and was receiving palliative care. Mujica was diagnosed with cancer in April 2024 and underwent radiotherapy until June 16 of last year, when he interrupted the treatment. He did not participate in the recent regional elections, held last Sunday (11).
From the farm where he lived, in the rural area of the capital Montevideo, Mujica had already spoken about his health condition in an interview published by the U.S. newspaper The New York Times. In a sort of farewell, he said at the time: “it’s time to go”.
“I underwent radiological treatment. According to the doctors, everything went well, but I’m devastated. Life is beautiful. With all its twists and turns, I love life. And I’m losing it because it’s time to go,” he stated on that occasion.
He still voted at the end of last year in the presidential elections. He supported the Frente Ampla candidate, Yamandú Orsi, who won the election and became President of Uruguay.
In January this year, Mujica announced that he had liver metastasis and would not undergo any other treatment. During that period, with difficulty eating, he underwent surgery to place a stent in the esophagus to feed himself. A few weeks ago, the situation worsened and the former president could no longer perform basic activities.
Mujica had left the hospital to stay at home. According to the family, the space was more “comfortable” for the former president. He received visits from family members and close associates. One of these visits was from Alejandro Pacha Sánchez, secretary to President Yamandú Orsi, who said: “Mujica had always said he wanted to reach 90 years old.” The Uruguayan would have turned 90 on May 20.
Popular support
In recent days, thousands of Uruguayans expressed solidarity with the former president. Mujica was President of Uruguay from 2010 to 2015 and became known for his progressive policies. The main measures approved during his administration were the legalization of marijuana and the legalization of same-sex marriage.
This policy made Mujica a popular figure not only within Uruguay but also abroad. The former president was part of the Movimento de Participação Popular (MPP) from 1994 until 2025. His political group published a message in support of Mujica.
“Dear Pepe! You always told us you would campaign until your last day. You kept your promise and we know you will continue to keep it. This group will support you until the end,” the text says.
Edited by: Lucas Estanislau
Source: www.brasildefato.com.br, by Lorenzo Santiago