Former Uruguayan President José Alberto “Pepe” Mujica Cordano died this Tuesday (13) at the age of 89. The information was confirmed by Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi. The former president left a legacy in Uruguayan politics for being a protagonist in the transformation of the Broad Front, today the main left-wing coalition in the country.
According to his wife, former Vice President Lucía Topolansky, Pepe was “in a terminal situation” and was undergoing 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 last regional elections, held last Sunday (11).
From his farm in the rural area of the capital Montevideo, Mujica had already spoken about his health in an interview published by the American newspaper The New York Times. In a sort of farewell, he said at the time: “it’s time to go.”
“I had 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 said at the time.
He also voted in the presidential elections at the end of last year. He supported the Broad Front candidate, Yamandú Orsi, who won the election and became president of Uruguay.
In January of this year, Mujica announced that he had liver metastasis and would not undergo any further treatment. During this period, with difficulty eating, he underwent surgery to place a stent in his esophagus to feed himself. A few weeks ago, the situation worsened and the former president was no longer able to perform basic activities.
Mujica had left the hospital to stay at home. According to his family, the space was more “comfortable” for the former president. He received visits from family members and close friends. One of these visitors was from Alejandro Pacha Sánchez, secretary to President Yamandú Orsi, who said: “Mujica had always said he wanted to reach 90 years of age.” The Uruguayan would have celebrated his birthday on May 20.
Popular support
In recent days, thousands of Uruguayans have expressed solidarity with the former president. Mujica was president of Uruguay from 2010 to 2015 and was known for his progressive policies. The main measures approved during his administration were the legalization of marijuana and the authorization of same-sex marriage.
This policy made Mujica a popular figure not only inside but also outside Uruguay. The former president was a member of the Popular Participation Movement (MPP) from 1994 to 2025. His political group published a message in support of Mujica.
“Dear Pepe! You always told us that you would campaign until your last day. You kept your promise and we know that you will continue to do so. This group will support you until the end,” the text reads.
Edited by: Lucas Estanislau
Source: www.brasildefato.com.br, by Lorenzo Santiago