Cancer-stricken former Uruguayan president says goodbye to compatriots

Former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica, who held office from 2010 to 2015, said goodbye to his compatriots and decided not to continue treatment for cancer. He announced this in an interview with Busqueda magazine on January 9.

The 89-year-old Mujica was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2024, the course of the disease was complicated by the presence of an immune disease.

"I ask you to leave me alone. Don't ask me to do more interviews or anything else. My cycle is over. Honestly, I'm dying. And a warrior has the right to rest," the former president stated.

Earlier on November 25, 2024, former history teacher Yamandu Orsi became the new president of Uruguay. Orsi, a candidate of the leftist opposition, won the election in the second round with 49.8% of the vote. His vice president will be Carolina Cosse.