World leaders react to death of former Uruguay president José ‘Pepe’ Mujica

Leaders from around Latin America and across the world have sent messages of condolences to the late president of Uruguay, Jose ‘Pepe’ Mujica, who died on Tuesday at the age of 89.
Mujica held the office of presidency between 2010 and 2015, and was heralded for his broad appeal on progressive politics throughout his tenure. His government are credited with legalizing abortion and same-sex marriage, while also regulating legal cannabis use.
Uruguay president Yamandú Orsi posted on X: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our comrade Pepe Mujica. President, activist, and leader. We will miss you dearly, dear old man. Thank you for everything you gave us and for your profound love for your people.”
Former Argentina president, Cristina Kirchner who was president at the time of Mujica’s incumbency said on X: “Latin America says goodbye to a great man who dedicated his life to activism and his homeland. Pepe, we will miss you dearly.” To the late President’s widow she said: “Lucía, my heart goes out to you and all the Uruguayan people.”
Former Bolivian president Evo Morales, who was also in office during Mujica’s presidency said in a statement to X: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of my brother Pepe Mujica. I always remember his advice, full of experience and wisdom.” The country’s current president Luis Arce Catacora added “Dear Pepe, in these difficult times, I want to send you my deepest support and affection. Your legacy of struggle and commitment to social justice remains a beacon of light [in Uruguay].”
Colombian president Gustavo Petro shared an image on X of him and Mujica together, stating: “Pepe Mujica, the great revolutionary, the president of Uruguay, has died. Goodbye, friend. I hope that Latin America will one day have an anthem; I hope that South America will one day be called Amazonia.”
Gabriel Boric, the president of Chile, said on X: “You’re gone physically, but you’re staying forever. I promise you that the olive tree we planted in February on your farm will flourish.”
Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez said: “A better world. That’s what Pepe Mujica believed in, fought for, and lived for. Politics takes on meaning when lived like this, from the heart. My deepest love to his family and to Uruguay.”
“He’s a person who will never die because he’s an example,” said Estela de Carlotto, of the Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo, referring to their last meeting at her farm in Uruguay.
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