Former Uruguayan president José “Pepe” Mujica brought tears to the eyes of the audience at a rally for left-wing candidate Yamandú Orsi last Saturday (19) in Plaza 1 de Mayo in Montevideo. In a forceful and moving speech, the historic leader, who presided over Uruguay from 2010 to 2015, defended the need for a government that “opens its heart and head to everyone in the country.”
Known worldwide for his simple lifestyle and progressive ideas, Mujica adopted a tone of farewell and hope for popular struggles. At the age of 89, Mujica, who recently revealed he was battling a tumor in his esophagus, made a plea for education and youth as he bid farewell to active political life.
In a firm tone but full of emotion, Mujica began his speech by recalling that this was the first time in 40 years that he had not taken part in an electoral campaign. He justified his absence by citing his battle with death. “I'm at the end of my race, absolutely convinced and conscious,” he said, acknowledging that his cycle in politics is nearing its end.
Despite his health condition, Mujica stressed the importance of being present at the event, referring to the symbolism of the mobilization. “I'm an old man who is very close to the place where we never go back, but I am happy because you are here,” he said, drawing tears from the audience. The former president reinforced his belief that “thousands of arms” will continue the battle for a better world when he is no longer fighting.
Mujica also took the opportunity to praise Yamandú Orsi's candidacy, saying that Uruguay needs a government that values education and young people, especially in the face of imminent global changes. “Young people will experience a change in the world that humanity has never known. Intelligence will be as important as capital,” he warned, stressing that educational training will be essential for the country not to fall into irrelevance.
At the end of his speech, Mujica called for a country free of hatred and confrontation, encouraging Uruguayans to work for hope. His farewell expressed gratitude for life and the audience present: “When these arms are gone, there will be millions of arms to fight on. Thank you for being there. So long,” he concluded, to the applause and tears of those present.
Mujica's speech marked a historic and symbolic moment, not only because he was leaving the political scene but also because it reinforced the ideals that had marked his career: simplicity, the fight for social justice, and hope for a better future.
On October 27, Uruguayans will go to the polls to choose the president and vice president who will govern the country between 2025 and 2030. If no presidential ticket obtains more than 50% of the votes, there will be a second round on November 24. The vote will also determine the seats of 30 senators and 99 deputies.
Check out Mujica's speech in full:
“One minute from the heart, not from the throat.
This is the first time in the last 40 years that I haven't participated in an election campaign. And I'm doing it because I'm fighting death. Because I'm at the end of the game, absolutely convinced and conscious.
But I had to come here today because of what you symbolize. [...] So, I'm an old man, I'm an old man who is very, very close to where there's no going back. But I'm happy that you're here, because when my arms are gone, there will be thousands of arms to replace them in the fight, And all my life I've said that the best leaders are those who come out of a team that outperforms them.
And today, there are you, Yamandu, and Pacha. There are thousands of others who are waiting and other young arms because the struggle continues for a better world. I spent my youth and life with my partner, who is alive because of her and this other woman, who is my doctor; otherwise, I would have left already.
I have to come and thank them from the bottom of my heart. Young people will experience a change in the world that humanity has never known. Intelligence will be as important as capital, meaning tertiary education will become essential for the new generations.
If we're not capable as a country of educating and training the next generation, we'll belong to the world of the irrelevant, of those who have no use for being exploited.
This is the country's biggest challenge. That's why I support Yamandu: We need a government that opens our hearts and minds as a whole country. It's not poetic what I'm saying; someone has to say it, let it be an old man.
No to hatred!
No confrontation!
We must work for hope!
So long! I give you my heart. Thank you so much. I have to thank life, because when these arms are gone, there will be millions of arms. Thank you for being there. So long.”
Edited by: Dayze Rocha
