The World’s Poorest President Who Chose Humility Over Wealth : José Mujica Meet José Mujica, the former president of Uruguay, known as the world’s poorest president—but by choice. Instead of indulging in luxury, Mujica donated 90% of his salary to the needy, lived on a small farm, and drove an old Volkswagen Beetle. He even refused a private jet to buy a medical rescue helicopter for his country. During his leadership, he cut unemployment in half and, after leaving office, turned down a senator’