The World's Poorest President But Also The Most Generous. Meet José Mujica. He may look like your average farmer or grandfather, but he is anything but. This man is globally known as the world’s “Poorest President” because he lives a life of humility… all while leading the country of Uruguay. As a man who truly cares about his people, he doesn’t take an obscene amount of money to just act as a politician. He donates about 90% of his $12,000 monthly salary to charities that benefit poor people and small entrepreneurs.
A Man Worth Admiring: Meet Jose Mujica.
1. Jose Mujica, who gives about 90% of his monthly salary to charity, has been described as the world's poorest president.
2. It’s not uncommon to see Jose dressed like this. He doesn’t care about money and appearances, but just leading his country.
3. The 79-year-old spent 14 years in prison from 1972 for fighting the state, being shot six times by police in the process and spending more than a decade in solitary confinement.
4. He was a guerilla fighter that battled for the rights of the country’s citizens, was imprisoned twice and was shot 6 times after an escape attempt.
5. In 1994 he was elected a deputy, famously arriving at Parliament on a vesper scooter, and under the left wing President Tabaré Vázquez, Mujica was in 2005 appointed the minister for Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries.
6. This is the Presidential house “Residencia Suarez” that Mujica could live in, but is planning to convert in a museum full of documents and personal belongings of former presidents.
7. He actually is a part-time farmer. He and his wife also grow and sell flowers.
8. US President Barack Obama might travel in the £175,000 state car, but Mujica makes do with his 1987 Volkswagen Beetle.
9. He only has two guards positioned on his road. Along with his beloved 3-legged dog Manuela, of course.
10. Instead of acting like he is better than everybody else, the president of a country wholeheartedly believes that he is like everybody else.
The president of Uruguay, Jose Mujica, waiting his turn in a public hospital
11. He Said: "I'm not the poorest president. The poorest is the one who needs a lot to live. My lifestyle is a consequence of my wounds. I'm the son of my history. There have been years when I would have been happy just to have a mattress."
If you want to understand why Suarez goes into meltdown so often, a quick look at the man who runs his country might give you some helpful context.
Update On World's Most Humble President Mr. José Pepe Mujica
After five years in power, the man described as the "World's most humble president" has stepped down from office in Uruguay.
Jose Mujica, who is known for giving away most of his salary and living humbly on a farm with his family and three-legged dog, presented his presidential sash to Tabare Vazquez on Sunday.
Vazquez, a 75-year-old oncologist, said he will retain the legal status of cannabis that was implemented in December 2013, but he said he will stop government supply if the scheme goes wrong.
Mujica, 79, is a farmer and former guerrilla fighter who is famous for driving a blue 1987 VW Beetle. He has left office to become a Senator.
Uruguay has experienced 12 years of booming economy, rising salaries and historically low unemployment while neighbouring Brazil and Argentina are experiencing economic downturns.
“I'm sorry to see him go. Tabare is good too. But Pepe is Pepe.”
Mujica wore his usual smart-casual attire of brown rubber-soled shoes, a black suit and a shirt with no tie for the ceremony.
The Marxist former president, known as Pepe by Uruguayans and had spent 14 years in prison for fighting with the rebel Tupamaros National Liberation Movement during the 1960s and 70s, is also known for legislating abortions and gay marriage.
In a time when it seems that rich politicians rule the world, learning about Jose is truly refreshing. Please share this article with others.
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