Spanish
La Paz.- The President of Bolivia, Luis Arce, stated this Monday his "support and affection" for the former Uruguayan president José 'Pepe' Mujica, after learning that the politician, who suffers from cancer, is in a terminal condition and is receiving palliative care.
"Dear Pepe, in these difficult times I want to send you my deepest feelings of support and affection. Your legacy of struggle and commitment to social justice remains as a beacon of light in the Great Homeland," Arce published on his X account.
The Bolivian leader also expressed his "most sincere solidarity" and "strength in this difficult time" to the former vice president, former senator and wife of Mujica, the also Uruguayan Lucía Topolansky.
"The bond you have shared over the years is a true testament to love and an example for all of us. We are with you in thought and spirit," he added.
José Mujica, who governed Uruguay in the period 2010-2015, announced last year that he had a tumor in the esophagus. In January of this year, the former Uruguayan president reported in an interview with the local weekly Búsqueda that the cancer had spread to his liver.
Mujica did not vote in the departmental elections held on Sunday in his country on the recommendation of his personal doctor.
Before casting his vote, the Uruguayan president, Yamandú Orsi, told the media in his country that "it's complicated, he's taking care," regarding Mujica's health condition.
Terminally ill
Later, in statements to Sarandí radio, Topolansky confirmed that her husband is in terminal phase and is receiving palliative care.
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The president of Bolivia visited Mujica last December during his stay in Uruguay, and described that day as "unforgettable" and praised the "world vision" of the former president.
Arce has ideological affinity with the Uruguayan ex-president, as did the ex-president and former leader of the Bolivian ruling party Evo Morales (2006-2019).
