This is José Mujica, the most unusual president in the World.
This image of Uruguay’s president went viral recently and some people criticized him for posture and clothes.
José Mujica, currently the president of Uruguay, is known for being a rarity among powerful politicians, as he chooses to donate around 90% of his $12,000 (£7,500) monthly salary to charities that benefit poor people and small entrepreneurs.
Guerrilla bad ass president…
A guerrilla fighter for the Tupamaros (a “Robin hood” organization that stole from the rich and give to the poor) he was imprisoned twice, kept in horrible conditions, escaped once, and was only apprehended after being shot six times by the police. He was released fourteen years later when a constitutional democracy was restored.
Uruguay’s presidential palace
Although this beautiful palace with 42 staff members is available to him, he instead lives on a small farm few minutes from the capitol.
House and Car
He drives a 1987 Volkswagen Beetle, and is a part time farmer, growing chrysanthemums (a kind of flower) for sale at nearby markets. He lives in a small house with his wife, who was also an imprisoned guerrilla fighter and member of Tupamaros, who is a Uruguayan senator.
Guards
His only protection are two guards positioned on his road (required by the government) and his three legged dog Manuela.
Under his presidency Uruguay has legalized marijuana and same-sex marriage, while also enacting one of the region’s most sweeping abortion rights laws and sharply boosting the use of renewable energy sources like wind and biomass. He does not like to be called the worlds poorest president, stating “ It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, who is poor”.
This man is leading by example. It is clear the power has not corrupted him. He leads for his people. We need more world leaders like him.
