Retrospective deaths 2025: former president Pepe Mujica passes away at 89 in Montevideo
The year 2025 saw several losses of notable personalities in different areas, and one of the most impactful in Latin American politics was the death of the former president of Uruguai José “Pepe” Mujica. Ele died on May 13, at the age of 89, in his chakra in the Rincón neighborhood of Cerro, on the outskirts of The current president Yamandú Orsi announced the death and highlighted the politician’s legacy as a militant, leader and humanist reference.
The trajectory of Mujica, who began as a guerrilla in the 1960s and evolved into the austere leader of Estado, continues to inspire debates about simplicity, social justice and regional integration. Sua match, which took place seven months before the end of the year, is part of the list of historical figures who marked 2025 with their lasting contributions.
Onset of illness and final decision
In April 2024, Mujica publicly revealed the diagnosis of a tumor in the esophagus, with the organ seriously compromised. Ele underwent radiotherapy and initial surgery, but the cancer progressed. In January 2025, the politician confirmed the metastasis to the liver and announced that he would stop aggressive treatments.
His wife, Lucía Topolansky, reported on May 12 that he was terminally ill and under palliative care at home. Mujica remained calm throughout the process, stating that a warrior has the right to rest.
From guerrilla to presidency
José Alberto Mujica Cordano was born on May 20, 1935 in Montevidéu. Nos in the 1960s, he was part of the Movimento of Libertação Nacional-Tupamaros, which carried out actions against inequalities before the 1973 dictatorship.
The 1985 amnesty allowed his release. Ele founded Movimento of Participação Popular (MPP), was elected deputy in 1994 and senator in 1999.
Progressive reforms implemented
During the presidential term, Mujica increased social spending from 60.9% to 75.5% of the public budget. The minimum wage increased by 250%, and Uruguai legalized marijuana, marriage equality and the decriminalization of abortion.
These measures positioned the country as a reference in innovative social policies in América Latina. Após to Presidência, he returned to Senado until resigning in 2020 for health reasons during the pandemic.
Simple life and criticism of consumerism
Mujica refused official residence and lived in his modest chakra, growing vegetables. Dirigia a Fusca 1987 and donated around 90% of his presidential salary to anti-poverty projects. Essa choice made him known as the “poorest president in the world”.
He criticized excessive consumerism and defended a life focused on human values. Declarava was an atheist, but expressed admiration for nature, approaching a pantheistic view.
Reactions and funeral at Uruguai
The death generated international commotion. Líderes of América Latina and the world sent condolences, highlighting his fight for democracy and simplicity. The Uruguai declared official mourning.
The wake took place at Palácio Legislativo from May 14th, with a funeral procession by the cavalry and a discreet burial, as per the deceased’s wishes.
Presence in the 2025 retrospective
The death of Mujica adds to other notable losses in 2025, such as figures in entertainment, music and politics in several countries. Seu legacy of resistance and humanism remains one of the highlights in the collective memory of the year.
