Tributes have poured in from across Latin America following the death of Uruguay’s former president Jose “Pepe” Mujica, an ex-guerilla fighter revered by the left for his humility and progressive politics.
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The 89-year-old – who spent a dozen years behind bars for revolutionary activity – lost his battle against cancer after announcing in January that the disease had spread and he would stop treatment.
“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our comrade Pepe Mujica. President, activist, guide and leader. We will miss you greatly, old friend,” Uruguay’s current president, Yamandu Orsi, posted on social media.
“Pepe, eternal!” a cyclist shouted out minutes later, while passing government buildings.
Mujica earned the moniker “world’s poorest president” during his 2010-2015 presidency for giving away much of his salary to charity and living a simple life on his farm, with his fellow ex-guerilla wife and three-legged dog.
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The government announced three days of national mourning and said his body would be taken to the legislative palace on Wednesday to lie in state.