Uruguay Mourns the Passing of Former President Pepe Mujica

Pepe Mujica, the former president of Uruguay, passed away at the age of 89 in his home in Rincón del Cerro, a rural area of Montevideo. The news was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon, May 13th, by Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi on his official X account. Mujica's life was marked by a complex legacy. He was a former guerrilla involved in the Tupamaros movement, a left-wing urban guerrilla group that fought against the Uruguayan government in the 1960s and 70s. He spent years imprisoned during the military dictatorship, facing torture. After the return of democracy, he became a symbol of social justice and progressive politics. As president, he championed policies such as the legalization of same-sex marriage and the decriminalization of abortion and marijuana. His presidency was praised for its focus on social equality and his unique, humble style. President Orsi stated, "Today Uruguay mourns the loss of a great leader." Mujica's death marks the end of an era in Uruguayan politics, leaving behind a complex and controversial legacy.