The former president of Uruguay Pepe Mujica (2010-2015) revealed that he decided not to continue the treatments he had been undergoing since April 2024 due to a cancer.
“The cancer in my esophagus is spreading to my liver. I can’t stop it with anything. Why? Because I’m an old man and I have two chronic illnesses. I can’t have biochemical treatments or surgery because my body can’t handle it. “, said Mujica in an interview with the newspaper “Search“.
At 89 years old, the politician, who became a historic figure for the simple and charismatic way he led the country, asks that he be allowed to rest in these last moments of his life and declared that he no longer wants to give interviews: “My cycle is over. Honestly, I am dying. And the warrior has the right to rest.”
His last political act was in November 2024, when he supported his successor from the Frente Amplio, Yamandú Orsi, in the Uruguayan elections that resulted in the victory of the left.
In addition to being president, Mujica was a guerrilla fighter, imprisoned and tortured for 14 years, but what most marked his life was his way of living. For many, he is an example that it is possible to do politics without becoming corrupted.
During his term, he chose not to live in the presidential palace and continued to live with his wife and fellow fighter Lucía Topolansky, on a small farm near Montevideo, which grows flowers and vegetables. Wherever he went, he drove a blue Beetle and avoided the spotlight.
With his banner of anti-consumerism, the politician donated a large part of his salary to social programs, keeping only what was necessary for his survival. These attitudes inspired several books, films and documentaries, such as “Pepe Mujica: Simply Human” and “Pepe’s Dreams: Movement 2052”.
His last request is that he be buried in the backyard, next to his dog Manuela, under a tree that he planted himself.
Source: rr.sapo.pt
