Jose Mujica: The world according to the humblest of leaders | Talk to Al Jazeera

He was once known as the world's "poorest" president.
A left-wing rebel fighter in his youth, Jose Mujica was elected president of Uruguay in 2010, making headlines worldwide for not changing the modest life he was used to.
He was a president with no palace, no motorcade and no pomp.
He led his five-year government by example, with austerity, donating a big part of his salary to social causes, driving his old Volkswagen Beetle, and living in his farmhouse.
And that is where we caught up with him.
Jose Mujica talks to Al Jazeera.

[@donalain69]

For me he is the greatest politician of our time and an my Idol since i first heard of him 10 years ago. Thank you Aljazeera for publishing that rare interview with him.

[@philipbooth7779]

It was a joy to listen to him such a nice man love the fact he drives a beetle would love to meet him.

[@NaseerAhmad-sc8mo]

Listening to him this guy...is like a plethora of inexplicable stuff no one can explain, being delivered to you as one powerful but gentle bullet to the head....A true humble genius....A very precious ❤ person.

[@stellacaddy8341]

All that this insightful man stated in this interview should be written down. Marvellous

[@donalain69]

@@stellacaddy8341 true. on the other hand it also makes me kind of sad how we got to live in a world where a leader gets admired for being honest and humble. If we live in a free democracy ,why do we almost always elect leaders that lie to us and care only for money instead of someone like him?

[@ghilbzvilgadz8816]

THIS IS THE KIND OF LEADER WHO SHOULD LEAD AN AUTHORITARIAN GOVERNMENT BECAUSE HE WILL DEFINITELY BRING MORE IMPROVEMENT AND SUCCESS TO THE TABLE LIKE WHAT LEE KUAN YEW DID IN SINGAPORE

[@TonySantolaria]

During his presidency: - Greatly increased the social expenditure(specially education) and reduced unemployment - Economy was fine.. gdp increased by 30% between 2010 and 2015 - Modernized the state. Uruguay has a high IDH , only lower than Argentina and Chile in the region - Finished his presidency with a 72% approval rating

[@ruatapachuau182]

What about the current president. What do you think of him?😂😂.

[@ghilbzvilgadz8816]

THIS IS THE KIND OF LEADER WHO SHOULD LEAD AN AUTHORITARIAN GOVERNMENT BECAUSE HE WILL DEFINITELY BRING MORE IMPROVEMENT AND SUCCESS TO THE TABLE LIKE WHAT LEE KUAN YEW DID IN SINGAPORE

[@johnathandaviddunster38]

@@ghilbzvilgadz8816 Uruguay has legalized marijuana, Singapore you can get the death penalty FOR 500 grams of marijuana!! SHAME on Singapore....

[@tryomama]

​@@ghilbzvilgadz8816 He literally fought against authoritarianism

[@ghilbzvilgadz8816]

@@johnathandaviddunster38 Stop being a dumb and fool. Look at Singapore coming from one of the poorest country to one of the richest despite "ZERO" natural resources

[@choms43]

If only the politicians of today possessed half the qualities of this man , the world would be a much better place. As he said , the mark of a good leader is not one who has done great things but rather one who leaves behind people who are far better then himself ….humility at its best …I could listen to this great leader all day long. May you live the rest of your days knowing that your life was one worth living

[@matthewadams6630]

I am a South African and this leader really really uplifted my soul and I so wish my country's present or so call leaders must learn from leaders like this one. Thank you so much for the interview.

[@mohamedhameed1909]

I am from Sri Lanka. In our country present president or future leaders should watch this interview and learn from this gentleman..

[@southafricanmusicexpressio6531]

Unfortunately the Ramaphosa an the Julius cannot put people first

[@mustafaasusso1782]

Am sorry to say brother but never in our continent, Africa has the wast leader's it break my heart but that is the fact they greedy and want to stay in power forever make there people suffer.

[@arshad8170]

What a great guy! An embodiment of knowledge and humility. I learned a thing or two listening to him. Thank you for conducting this interview.

[@yohohoho-yohohoho]

12k views are you kidding me? This deserves 10M views at least.

[@thatguygyal9190]

This old man is everyone’s grandad 🥹 Every word, and every statement is pure truth, warmed up with love… I hope I’m as noble at his age.

[@donalain69]

I admire him not only for what he sais, but also for being theo only president i know of who kept his presidential promise to serve his people rather then having them serve him.

[@mohammedalramah6726]

Imagine if the rest of world leaders was like this amazing man, what a beautiful world it would be.

[@ΧριστίναΜαγουλα-β1ξ]

Yes...this man should be an example for all leaders.

[@PendulumCancel]

I've read some variation of this comment hundreds of times in the youtube comment section, but I can tell the vast majority don't mean it because if they did videos like this one would end up with hundreds of thousands or at least a million views instead of just 20-50 thousand it'll probably get if we're lucky. Congrats on being one of the real ones.

[@MaoZedongWasRightAllAlong-i9f]

@user-ug6co5kl2l he should be an example for ALL PEOPLES. Everyone.

[@elcomandante6855]

"The best leader is not the one who does the most, he's the one who, after he's gone, leaves behind people who are better off than him," Powerful statements from President Mujica.

[@elvisngenoh7855]

The most educative piece on the internet

[@sojournerpilgrim3103]

''you are going to be eaten by worms just like everyone else'' Leader so down to Earth, such leaders are scarce in our time..

[@ethanang8099]

And Common sense, now leaders without common sense can run the country also

[@MaoZedongWasRightAllAlong-i9f]

...well... In ALL of time really. Sadly.

[@pt20829]

This is what “For the People” means. Not big fancy words. Huge respect to you, Mr. Mujica. 🙏

[@jptugagmr]

What a meaningful interview. A honest man inside politics. Well done al Jazeera. Abraço para todo povo de Uruguai.

[@profuy.]

Brigada. We're really proud of him and we keep on learning from him. May he never die.

[@hitzkopf9639]

Politicians should live like the majority of their people, not like the minority. Well said... Thanks for the interview!

[@nendira6038]

From the Philippines with admiration and respect Pres. Pepe Mujica. We pray that our country can have a President like you. So full of wisdom, honesty and a true servant to his people.

[@donalain69]

10:48 what he sais at that point warms my heart. He spent 13 years in prisons (2 of them alone in a water hole talking to cockroaches), but there is real passion in his eyes when he says it was a beautyful time.

[@ruatapachuau182]

He has been shot, he has fight against the regime and end it,he's been in prison, he serve as a president but still he is poor,man this guy is great. Wish we could have a president like him.

[@malcolmpedley3191]

The leaders and wealthy should take heed as this marvelous man speaks sense that I have not heard from anyone else, Bravo sir.

[@joea4084]

The most humble president.... and whatever he says, it seems so logic and it make sense.... may God bless you senor

[@hopeisagoodthing386]

Its Good to to listen to a wise man talking 😍

[@josephjohnston612]

I am happy they called him "the humblest of leaders" and not "the poorest president"

[@GGTanguera]

Or the lest corrupted

[@mitoswrc]

Top notch interview to a genuinely good man. Thank you for this.

[@Beeparthong]

Thank you Al Jazeera for making this interview!🥲

[@emmaanchor4885]

When asked to define a true leader. Please kindly copy and paste this great man. I so much love him. At his age, his intelligence and smartness is incomparable with the so called present leaders. It a shame we don't have his type at the helm of present political affairs.

[@KusiaKis]

LONG LIVE, JOSÉ "PEPE" MUJICA!!!!! You have a great spirit and a beautiful soul! ¡Viva! I am your Hungarian fan from Budapest.

[@Enver91]

Thank you Jose for your wisdom. I've learnt a lot.. Its a joy listening to you.

[@Ana-cl6qc]

Pepe, usted es el máximo ejemplo para el mundo de honestidad en política. Gracias por su generosidad! Con todo mi cariño y respeto desde España.

[@juanes1235]

Me encanto esta entrevista, la escuche solo para escuchar su punto de vista (diferente al mio) y me encanto. El man tiene muchisima razon en muchas cosas.

[@zimiggle14]

Breath of fresh air, listening to this man speak.

[@journeymanjoe5504]

"At the end...we are all feast for the worms" José "Pepe" Mojica

[@humanbeing574]

he just seems like your average person and not a greedy person i respect that alot

[@profuy.]

He IS an average person but with the plus of wisdom. A human being who donated his earnings to build a school for teens to learn how to work in the countryside. A human being who doesn't need a lot if money to be happy. A human being who we are very proud of.

[@juliepoppy1021]

Thanks so much, I admire this man so much.

[@ilmatzo]

Gracias Pepe ! The perfect pronunciation of the voiceover of the name "Jose Mujica" is really appreciated. Thank you PEPE, we will never forget the great legacy you left us in our country.GRACIAS!!!

[@skendervorfaj1650]

i appreciate the respect she shows to this man of abundant knowledge and charisma this man is the kind of people this world needs today with the belief in the betterment of human kind unlike those we have today that believe in greed and destruction much respect for this man.

[@crypto-insights]

87 year old and still fully grasping the world around him and up-to-date about everything. I fully agree that "Education" is the main solution. If you want to close the gap of wealth, you need to give everyone the same education. - The rich know how taxes work and therefore pay less taxes. The poor on the other hand never learned about taxes and tax breaks and therefore pay more taxes than needed. - The rich know how money works, how to save and how to invest. The poor don´t.

[@MaoZedongWasRightAllAlong-i9f]

there is also the distribution of wealth. A study came out thatbproved that its better for one's financial future if theyre are born rich and stupid, than if they are born poor and smart. Rich and smart people have found ways before and continue to find ways to lock up materials , resources, and wealth so that all 'The Poors' cant get what theyve rightfully worked for...

[@mnalam.aiam.5867]

You’re a selfless great leader.your honesty,sense of responsibility,love toward the people and your good governance and great principles which an example for the all politician’s.I prayer may god give you long life.

[@iftikharhusain6286]

Sir utmost respect to You and your country from Pakistan

[@dia.8988]

I loved learning about Mr. Jose Mujica. Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@ThatsABean]

It tears me up to see an old veteran of the left speak so eloquently of the past and the present I really felt his point on the lack of hope in the young generation, the 20th century really felt like the fight for a better future and sadly we are recovering from the lost of that battle

[@MaoZedongWasRightAllAlong-i9f]

The 21st century is ALSO a lost battle. People dont care abt global warming or genocides until it is effecting them and their children. Why are humans are so selfish and illogical? I hate this species.

[@gg31hh]

OMG. i like him so much. he speak the fact and not political BS. Its true, Russia is cornered and he has no choice to act.

[@alicegyamfi6772]

Fascinating man, true knowledge. Amen

[@godfreyfortuin1504]

Please Senor Jose Mujica come and teach our leaders in South Africa how to govern,with humility and love

[@elektra1968]

I love this man and his principles

[@philipbooth7779]

Up till a few weeks ago I had never heard of him such a nice man loved this interview reminded me of Niki Lauda every thing he said always made so much sense always worth listening too.

[@barrahart]

Here's to our better angels, in a world plagued by greed and lies 🤍

[@d4sp1d3r]

What a great interview. Things that are common sense and yet we hear so seldomly.

[@philipbooth7779]

I couldn't have said it better he talked so much sense such a nice man.

[@cursewantsome]

Thanks for this amazing interview Al Jazeera I am sorry about your recent loss of Shireen Abu Akle.

[@utnapishtim2736]

When the president of state is a philosopher

[@profuy.]

When a President of state is part of his people.

[@mohamedhameed1909]

I am from Sri Lanka. In our country present president or future leaders should watch this interview and learn from this gentleman.. current president of Sri Lanka learned a lot from his brother (who is former president) how to do the corruption and stolen the money 💰💰💰...

[@stan4723]

Humble man.Amazing astute and insightful.

[@felixabayomiakanbaiyaniwur4169]

Inspirational, motivator, Unique, distinguished personality with worthy and admirable attributes. I call him the WORLD PRESIDENT FOR LIFE 💪 long life papa .love from your Yoruba son

[@fredgomez9234]

He truly is a KING of humanity!!!!

[@markgoicoechea7826]

That guy has to dam much common since and Wisdom for this world.

[@vismayarejilal8247]

HUGE RESPECT TO YOUR SIR, LOVE FROM INDIA 🇮🇳

[@HowzGaming]

PmModii=terrorist

[@crocusmoon8782]

He had to be awarded the noble prize

[@profuy.]

He was proposed but didn't win. What a shame.

[@mekongrivergiants]

the world needs men like him.

[@MaoZedongWasRightAllAlong-i9f]

The world needs humans like him.

[@nathaliasacavalcante2489]

A special man, an amazing interview!

[@alexanderthegreatoz5945]

We need to learn from this man. ❤️from India

[@gcast017]

Thanks Al Jazeera for this short class of ethics when perhaps we need it the most

[@joshguzma9234]

He is not only a humble leader, but also a man of knowledge and truth. Bravo 👏👏👏👏👏💓

[@shemeliszewdie3851]

Thank you President Jose Mujica for all your honest service to the societies.

[@juandelgado7873]

Es encantador e instructivo escuchar al Sr Pepe Mujica

[@Tonywozere99]

One of my fave politicians, total legend. Him and Mossadegh of Iran.

[@melissamelendez4419]

Me deja sin palabras.

[@alexramos5162]

Is an honor to listen his conversation is absolutely right what he’s saying God bless José Pepe.

[@nancycornett9949]

Thank you for this!

[@iyxec]

A great wise man.

[@Michael-cf9ml]

Let this HONORABLE MAN be a example to all nations! This is how leaders should be... he truly is one of the most beautiful souls!!!!!! A TRUE Man of the LORD Jesus 🙏❤️

[@mufush]

My favorite leader ever, imagine with his age but still narrates pure facts

[@MaticatsBinance]

To hear this man speak brings tears to my eyes. He should be studied and talked about in every country. This man deserves the Nobel prize.

[@rossib6974]

Greed breeds more than needs .Change of mind and hearts towards life is what our World is desperate for its survival ! Another Revolutionary Great masterpiece thinking in twined with humanity and in tune with Nature . Bravo 👏 !

[@mugumyapaultheafricannomad9488]

Mujica is super smart guy... Especially on Putin and the Ukrainian war.

[@gurusukumaran1304]

What a great man what a great human being

[@engineercctv4511]

Love n respect from Bangladesh 🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩😶🇧🇩😶♥️

[@tarjeik7162]

Such a wise, humble guy!!

[@alemabreham9055]

respect from Ethiopia 🇪🇹

[@sebastiansosa8719]

Grande PEPE!!!! Sos una inspiracion !!! Thank you Al Jazeera!!!

[@swamifakkananda4043]

Great human.

[@ActionableFreedom]

The only man whom I can´t disagree with on anything. His example about the law and supposed equality in theory but inequality in practice is something that should be expanded on. I think its a great argument that goes beyond the usual divide and might open some peoples eyes. Preferably if good examples are given. One I know of is the term "affluenza" under which a wealthy teen in America escaped manslaughter charges after killing someone drunk with his car because his abnormal "wealth" supposedly made him think he´s above society/made him disconnect from the norms of society. It was taken as a valid DEFENSE that influenced his behaviour "beyond" his control If that is so, then this can be argued to be a sickness that must be eradicated ,no ?

[@henrykstopikowski5379]

El gran presidente de Uruguay, uno de los pocos filántropos del mundo. El mundo nunca olvidará lo que Usted ha hecho por su país. Que Dios se bendiga. The great president of Uruguay, one of the few philanthropists in the world. The world will never forget what you have done for your country. God bless you.

[@lunaspuen12]

Wish their were more president like him, who humble themselves by donating most of their salaries to a charity and living a good lifestyle that didn’t come to the cost of others. 😞

[@zzyzxy1]

What a human being ! Can't wait to visit Uruguay

[@profuy.]

You should visit us. Make a point in doing so though right now there's a right wing government which is a real pity. We're just hoping they don't destroy his work. Pepe (as we call him) has been able to put into words what so many of us think. He's getting older but his wisdom is an inspiration to generations to come. And if you decide and come over, you'll be more than welcomed.

[@GaliValiente]

What a man full of wisdom. It's evident that he is well aware of what's happening around the world. May he live much longer in order for him to share and teach the younger generation.

[@user-vp5iy8ec9q]

No one perfect but what a leader, when someone humble usually means genuine.

[@giannipaz8632]

Cuantos chinos??? No!!! Cuentos occidentales!! Wow!!! I love this man! He's a true hero for me...para nosotros de hispanoamerica, no existen muchos personajes políticos que nos hagan creer en algo mas grande que nosotros mismos. Gracias Don Pepe...usted siempre estará dentro de nuestros más grandes. ❤

[@donalain69]

Its the only youtube video about a politician i know of that has over 100 comments.. and not a single one is negative or critical. Hope other leaders learn from that.

[@adiadi5832]

Living legend....love you man....respect

[@topiclinestream6666]

Example of an inperfect man that learnt from his errors, and grew old with scars of wisdom, there are people who hate him and others who love him in Uruguay, as an old saying says, no one is prophet in his/her homeland, but I am sure regardless of his errors and his good choices, he really means and believes in what he is saying, he may not resolve the problems of the world, not even Uruguay's one but through his thoughts anyone could really ponder on what the path to be a reflexive, and a concious citizen is.

[@beanenita9840]

i love this guy ❤️❤️

[@ΧριστίναΜαγουλα-β1ξ]

Wow just wow...👍👍👍 RESPECT 🙏

[@ianwatson3315]

What an interesting man, of whom we will and so see little of In politics, true to his word.

[@kawaii_princess_castle]

Aparte de ser sencillo es muy humano eso es lo que me gusta más

[@attemptedunkindness3632]

The world has enough to meet all of mankind's need. The world will never be enough for one man's greed.

[@kaytan3640]

Respect to Mr Jose. He is true to his beliefs

[@Rose-inspirations]

It's such a shame how our leaders are governed by greed and their people are suffering by their governing. This exPresident understands and we all need more like him.

[@justicewillprevail1106]

A president like him would make ppl more driven, more humble and more kind. A president who can lead a country by example. May God bless this man.

[@DGul-hf2yw]

C'EST UN VRAI ET EXCEPTIONNEL PRÉSIDENT QUI SE SOUCIE AVANT TOUT DES PROBLÈMES DE SES CITOYENS ET QUI VIT AVEC LE MINIMUM STRICT. IL A CONQUIS LES COEURS DE SA POPULATION ET CEUX DE LA POPULATION MONDIALE POUR TOUJOURS. RESPECT MONSIEUR LE PRÉSIDENT ET LONGUE VIE MONSIEUR LE PRÉSIDENT!

[@catalinpastiu6740]

Uruguay ha producido dos de los intelectuales mas grandes de la historia humana: Eduardo Galeano y Pepe Mujica.

[@cristinacavestany9389]

Son las 2 personas mas referentes al mundo. Que mentes brillantes, humanas, SABIAS. Por suerte Pepe está,con nosotros con mucha salud y siempre activo. En lo personal: 2 figuras irremplazables hacen bien al alma

[@profuy.]

Como uruguaya, tengo que estar de acuerdo contigo 100%

[@user-ke8wv9lo6w]

No one among the Leaders in this world can beat the quality of this former President of Uruguay. his messages is so true and that's what happening in this World.

[@fieldofsky3632]

... brilliant!

[@user-ke8wv9lo6w]

I've listened to his words from start till finished. The UN should get him as their story Speaker for the World, to ponder

[@bonbonfufu]

This man🤗 👍👍👍👍👍👍