Tributes for Mujica after Milei government’s lukewarm condolences

Argentina’s government expressed its condolences for the death of former Uruguayan president José ‘Pepe’ Mujica, who died last Tuesday at the age of 89 after suffering a cancer in his oesophagus which metastasised into his liver.

 “The Argentine Republic expresses its condolences over the death of the ex-president of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, José Mujica, extending to his family, the government and the Uruguayan people,” read a dry Foreign Ministry communiqué issued after Montevideo confirmed the news.

President Javier Milei government’s response was seen as brief and cold, though it drew less controversy than than militant libertarian influencer Daniel Parisini, better known as ‘Gordo Dan,’ who posted a celebratory message online stating: “ONE LESS.” 

Some government sympathisers even joined the criticisms of this post as “unnecessary, cruel and out of place.”

Former two-term president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who overlapped with Mujica in office, wrote on her official X account: “Latin America bids farewell to a great man who dedicated his life to militancy and the homeland. Pepe, we’re going to miss you a lot.”

Addressing Mujica’s widow, Lucía Topolansky, the opposition leader added: “My heart is with you and all the Uruguayan people.”

Milei’s predecessor in office, former Peronist president Alberto Fernández went further: “Pepe Mujica has been an example for a politics which banalises everything. An example of austerity in a society which rewards those who amass fortunes. Without being one, he was the best of Christians. Without [late Pope] Francis and without Pepe, the world grows sadder and weaker. I will always remember that great Uruguayan.”

Former Cabinet chief Juan Manuel Abal Medina wrote in tribute: "An enormous comrade and a great teacher, whom I had the good fortune to know, listen to and learn from. He taught us how practise politics without betraying convictions and how to fight without losing tenderness. A man who never gave up, who never hid his ideals, who always raised the banners of social justice, humility and consistency.”

Latin American leaders

From Europe, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez led the tributes, with Presidents Gustavo Petro (Colombia) and Claudio Sheinbaum (Mexico), and ex-presidents Evo Morales (Bolivia) and Rafael Correa (Ecuador) among the most vocal Latin American leaders.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva described Mujica as "an example," highlighting: "His human greatness transcended the frontiers of Uruguay and his presidential term." 

"I’ve known many people, presidents and politicians but none could equal Pepe Mujica for greatness of soul. He was really an exceptional figure," said a visibly moved Lula at the start of a press conference in Beijing, China, where he is on a state visit.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric waxed romantic: "Dear Pepe, I can imagine you taking your leave worried about the bitter salad of today’s world. But if you left us something, it was the hope that it is possible to do things better which will never burn out.”

Senate session

During a session on Tuesday, a number of Argentine senators paid tribute to the late Uruguayan, who went from guerilla fighter to head of state after addressing his past publicly and honestly.

Anabel Fernández Sagasti (Unión por la Patria-Mendoza): “He leaves a legacy of struggle, humility and love for the people. Thanks for teaching us that you can be firm without losing affection.”

Alicia Kirchner (Unión por la Patria-Santa Cruz): “With Pepe Mujica a fundamental voice of our continent and world, as great as it was human. He leaves us an example, always get up and carry on. A huge hug to his family and our Uruguayan brethren.”

Eduardo “Wado” De Pedro (Unión por la Patria-Buenos Aires Province): “A human being and political leader who had the strength to resist dictatorship and imprisonment and who, above all, knew how to construct —together with his comrades— a political organisation which continues to give the Uruguayan people hope and an alternative for a decent living.”

Maximiliano Abad (UCR Radical-Buenos Aires Province): “Pepe Mujica has died, a leader who transcended frontiers for his coherence, austerity and commitment to the humblest. His legacy leaves a profound footprint on Latin American politics. May he rest in peace.”

Radical party chairman Martín Lousteau (UCR-Federal Capital): “A man who left his mark on politics with his consistency and decency, his struggle for democracy and social justice.”

Bartolomé Abdala (La Libertad Avanza-San Luis): “I accompany at this moment of mourning his loved ones and our Uruguayan brethren.”

– TIMES