Contents
José Mujica
Leading Uruguay from 2010 to 2015 while becoming internationally known for his modest lifestyle and criticism of consumerism.
Abortion reform · Marriage equality
- Born
- 20 May 1935
- Birthplace
- Montevideo, Uruguay
- Died
- 13 May 2025
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Franklin D. RooseveltLeading the United States through the Great Depression and most of the Second World War.José Mujica
José Mujica moved from armed revolutionary politics and imprisonment to elected office. As Uruguay’s president, he backed major social reforms while continuing to live on a small farm. His plainspoken speeches brought him an audience far beyond Uruguay.
Early life
Working childhood
Born in Paso de la Arena, Montevideo, he helped his mother sell flowers after his father died.
Political beginnings
He entered National Party youth politics before moving towards the left and the Tupamaro guerrilla movement.
Career
- 1960s–1985
Guerrilla activity and prison
Joined the Tupamaros, endured imprisonment and torture, and was released when democracy returned.
- 1994–2008
Parliament and cabinet
Won election as a deputy, later became a senator, and served as agriculture minister.
- 2010–2015
Presidency
Governed for the Broad Front coalition after winning the 2009 election.
- 2020
Senate departure
Retired from the Senate after returning to parliamentary politics.
Policies & reforms
Abortion reform
His government enacted legislation decriminalising abortion within a regulated framework.
Marriage equality
Signed legislation allowing same-sex couples to marry.
Cannabis regulation
Oversaw a law creating a state-regulated market for cannabis.
Beyond politics
Farm life
He lived with his wife, fellow politician Lucía Topolansky, on their flower-growing farm during his presidency.
Giving away his salary
He donated most of his presidential salary and repeatedly questioned the pursuit of possessions as a measure of success.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Institutional biography and career record ↗Photo: Senado Federal. CC BY 2.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
