Former Uruguayan President José Mujica Dies

• José «Pepe» Mujica dies
• One year after being diagnosed with a malignant tumor
• Various political leaders from Uruguay and around the world remembered Mujica

José «Pepe» Mujica passed away this Tuesday in Montevideo at the age of 89, one year after being diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his esophagus.

«With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our compañero Pepe Mujica. President, activist, leader, and guide. We will miss you dearly, beloved Old Man.»

«Thank you for everything you gave us and for your profound love for your people,» said Uruguay’s current president, Yamandú Orsi, on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

His political movement, the left-wing Frente Amplio, also posted on the platform.

World leaders mourn Mujica’s passing

«Pepe wasn’t just a leader. He was a way of understanding the world. We’re left with his voice, his example, his stubborn hope. Farewell, compañero.»

Meanwhile, various political leaders from Uruguay and around the world also remembered Mujica with messages on social media.

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On April 29 of last year, José Mujica announced during a press conference that he had been diagnosed with a tumor in his esophagus.

«I need to inform you that last Friday I went to the Casmu [medical center] for a check-up, during which a tumor was discovered in my esophagus,» Mujica said.

He added: «It’s obviously very serious, and in my case, doubly complicated, because I’ve had an autoimmune disease for over 20 years.»

Shortly after, he confirmed that the tumor was malignant and would require treatment with radiation therapy, which he underwent in Montevideo.

On December 27, the former president underwent a surgical procedure during which a stent was successfully placed in his esophagus.

«We performed the procedure today because the situation required it at this time. This will allow him to continue eating orally,» said his personal physician, Raquel Pannone, following the intervention.

Was José Mujica ill?

Months earlier, Mujica had undergone a gastrostomy to allow for tube feeding, according to reports from the EFE news agency.

In January of this year, Mujica revealed in an interview with local weekly Búsqueda that the cancer in his esophagus had spread to his liver.

During the early months of the year, the former president continued to attend a few public events.

These included a tribute organized by the Frente Amplio and a gathering hosted by the Partido Colorado to mark 40 years since the return of democracy.