Whether you admired him or despised him, José ” el Pepe” Mujica drew the world’s attention to Uruguay like never before. One could argue whether the reasons for this will have a positive or negative long-term impact on Uruguay but one cannot deny that, during his time as President, Uruguay became a player on the global stage.
During his term in office, Uruguay put forth legislation that distinguished it from its Latin American neighbors as well as its neighbors – gay marriage and marijuana to name just two areas. Whether the new laws will have a positive or negative impact has yet to be seen but at the very least Uruguay is attempting to address these issues with something innovative and different from the mostly failed policies of the past.
Like most politicians, it is too early to make any judgement related to his legacy has he left a host of issues for his successor to complete. Only time will tell how “el Pepe’s” legacy will play out.
Hemipshere Politico 