Uruguay’s first socialist president Tabare Vazquez dies aged 80

Tabare Vazquez died on Sunday (Marcelo Hernandez/AP)

Uruguay’s first socialist president, Tabare Vazquez, a popular figure who was returned to office for a second term has died of cancer.

The 80-year-old oncologist, who dedicated much of his professional life to fighting the disease, announced last year that he had lung cancer. His family confirmed that he died on Sunday.