José Mujica, the former President of Uruguay, passed away at the age of 89, as confirmed by the current Uruguayan President, Yamandú Orsi.

Mujica, who served from March 1, 2010, to March 1, 2015, gained widespread admiration for his simple lifestyle and down-to-earth demeanor, becoming a notable figure in both national and international politics.

Mujica was elected in 2009 as a candidate from the left-leaning Broad Front coalition.

His presidency was marked by progressive reforms, particularly in the areas of education and social policy.

He emphasized the importance of investing in education, stating that an educated populace has better choices in life and is less susceptible to the manipulations of corrupt individuals.

In May 2015, Mujica announced Uruguay's readiness to accept 100 Syrian orphans, who were fleeing the ongoing conflict in Syria, demonstrating his commitment to humanitarian causes.

He proposed to host the refugees alongside adult guardians in his summer home.

Mujica gained recognition for his candid speeches, where he often criticized consumerism and called for more responsible global leadership.

At the Rio+20 conference in 2012, he openly challenged the unsustainable consumer culture, and during a United Nations address in 2013, he urged world leaders to reconsider the efficacy of costly international summits that often yield little results.

Often referred to as 'the world's poorest president,' Mujica famously lived a modest life, retaining only 10% of his monthly salary of $12,500, with the remainder donated to charitable organizations.

He was known for not having any bank accounts or debts, and the most valuable possession he claimed was his old Volkswagen Beetle, valued at $1,945.