MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) – Crowds gathered on Wednesday in the capital of Uruguay to honor the late former President José Mujica, a prominent figure in the Latin American left, who passed away at the age of 89. The former leader, affectionately referred to as “Pepe,” was celebrated for his humility, simple lifestyle, and ideological commitment during a funeral procession that spanned three hours through downtown Montevideo.
Thousands of mourners lined the streets as Mujica's flag-draped coffin was transported on a gun carriage toward the country's parliament. Emotional chants of “Pepe, dear, the people are with you!” filled the air, accompanied by applause from bystanders and those watching from balconies. Mujica had died on Tuesday in his modest three-room farmhouse on the outskirts of Montevideo, where he had chosen to live throughout his life and presidency from 2010 to 2015, rejecting the opulent presidential palace.
The current president of Uruguay, Yamandú Orsi, who was a protégé of Mujica and a member of the same leftist Broad Front party, declared three national days of mourning from Wednesday to Friday. This presidential decree recognized Mujica’s “humanist philosophy” and mandated that the government would be closed to all but essential operations, with flags flown at half-staff in his honor.
Orsi, similar to Mujica, has opted to live in his family home rather than the presidential palace, aiming to carry forward Mujica’s legacy of humility. Mujica was actively involved in politics until his later years, participating in campaigns and voting for Orsi in the previous fall. The funeral procession began with a private ceremony at the presidential headquarters, where Mujica’s life partner and fellow politician, Lucía Topolansky, joined Orsi and other officials in a ceremonial tribute that included draping Mujica's coffin with a silk national flag.
José Mujica, who would have turned 90 next week, was born on May 20, 1935. Throughout his distinguished political career, he garnered admiration in Uruguay and earned international acclaim for his progressive policies. Notable achievements during his presidency included the legalization of marijuana, the recognition of same-sex marriage, the introduction of comprehensive abortion rights legislation, and positioning Uruguay as a frontrunner in alternative energy initiatives.
Before ascending to high office, Mujica was known for his radical past as a guerrilla fighter in the 1960s, a member of the Tupamaros, a violent leftist group involved in bank robberies, bombings, and abductions. Mujica's legacy continued to inspire many, advocating for social equity and justice. He faced health challenges in recent years, having been diagnosed with esophageal cancer in April 2024.
The poignant farewell observed by the citizens of Montevideo signifies the deep impact that José Mujica had on Uruguayan society and the leftist movements across Latin America, cementing his legacy as a compassionate leader committed to social change.
