José Mujica, Uruguay's Former Guerilla-Turned-President, Announces Esophageal Cancer Diagnosis at 88

José Mujica, the former president of Uruguay known for transforming the country into one of Latin America's most socially liberal, announced on Monday that he has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer at the age of 88. Mujica, who governed Uruguay from 2010 to 2015, said the tumor discovered in his esophagus is particularly dangerous due to an autoimmune disease he also suffers from.

Mujica, a leftist icon, was first a leader of the Tupamaros, a Marxist guerilla group inspired by the Cuban revolution in the 1960s and 1970s. He was imprisoned during the country's dictatorship until his release in 1985. As president, Mujica legalized same-sex marriage, boosted women's rights, and made Uruguay the first nation to fully legalize recreational marijuana. He drew admiration for his blunt honesty and modest lifestyle, giving away most of his salary and living on a humble flower farm.

Despite leaving the Senate in 2020, Mujica remained a powerful force in the Broad Front, a coalition of leftist and centrist parties. In a press conference, he acknowledged the challenges posed by his cancer diagnosis and autoimmune disease, which may complicate potential treatments like chemotherapy and surgery. Doctors are currently assessing the best course of action.

Why this matters: Mujica's legacy as a transformative leader who championed progressive causes and challenged traditional political norms continues to resonate in Uruguay and beyond. His health battle comes as the country prepares for presidential elections in October, with the Broad Front coalition he once led holding a slight lead in most polls.

In a characteristically charming and self-effacing manner, the 88-year-old Mujica turned the announcement of his cancer diagnosis into a pep-talk for the country's youth. "Life is beautiful, but it wears you out and you fall," he said, encouraging them to "start over every time you fall." One of the candidates vying for the presidency for the Broad Front, Yamandu Orsi, said the news of Mujica's diagnosis has given the political campaign a fresh "boost" because it shows the need to continue fighting. "Pepe reinforces how we must value life," Orsi stated, using Mujica's well-known nickname.

Key Takeaways

• Former Uruguayan President José Mujica, 88, diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
• Mujica was a leftist leader who transformed Uruguay's social policies.
• Mujica's cancer diagnosis may complicate potential treatments due to autoimmune disease.
• Mujica's legacy continues to influence Uruguayan politics as country prepares for elections.
• Mujica's diagnosis has given a "boost" to the Broad Front coalition he once led.