Mujica: Saint or Sinner?

José Mujica, former president of Uruguay, is portrayed as a figure whose political trajectory ultimately served to betray the socialist aspirations of the working class. The article critiques Mujica's transformation from a Tupamaros guerrilla leader to a head of state who embraced capitalist realism and prioritized stability over revolutionary change. Mujica's government, while enacting some social reforms such as legalizing abortion and marijuana, is criticized for maintaining the capitalist system, deepening Uruguay's dependence on foreign capital, and failing to address fundamental issues of inequality and poverty. The article highlights his government’s promotion of foreign investment in agriculture and infrastructure, prioritizing profits over the needs of the working class and the environment. Furthermore, Mujica's rhetoric of moderation and reconciliation is viewed as a deliberate attempt to pacify the working class and divert them from pursuing more radical alternatives. His famous austerity and "humble" lifestyle are seen as a cynical performance, masking his role in upholding the status quo. The article argues that Mujica's embrace of pragmatic politics represents a broader trend of social-democratic and "left" governments in Latin America failing to deliver on their promises and ultimately reinforcing the capitalist system, leaving the working class vulnerable to exploitation and oppression. The author suggests that Mujica's legacy serves as a cautionary tale, underscoring the necessity for genuine socialist revolution rather than reformist approaches within the existing system. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/05/18/uflw-m18.html