The Poorest President in the World

The "Poorest" President in the World.

José Mujica, currently the president of Uruguay, is known for being a rarity among powerful politicians, as he chooses to donate around 90 percent of his $12,000/month salary to charities that benefit poor people and small entrepreneurs.

As a guerilla for Tupamaros (A "Robin Hood" organization that stole from the rich and gave 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 14 years later when a constitutional democracy was restored.

Although this palace (with 42 staff members) is available to him, he decided to live on a small farm just a few minutes from the capital instead.

Mujica drives an '87 Volkswagen and is a part time farmer. He grows chrysanthemums to sell at nearby markets. He lives on his farm with his wife, who was also an imprisoned guerilla fighter and member of Tupamaros. She is currently a Uruguayan senator.

His only protection is two guards positioned on his road which is required by the government. His other guard is his three-legged dog, Manuela. Under his presidency, Uruguay has legalized marijuana and same-sex marriage. He has also enacted one of region's most sweeping abortions rights laws and sharply boosted the use of renewable energy sources such as wind and biomass. He does not like being called the "World's Poorest President." Mujica said, "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 even slightly corrupted him. He leads for his people. We need more world leaders like José Mujica. Original Source