Romania Posthumously Honours Roșia Montană Lawyer on 13 November

On 13 November 2026, President Nicușor Dan signed a decree posthumously awarding the National Order "Star of Romania" in the rank of Knight to Cluj lawyer and professor Liviu-Marius Harosa, who died on 10 November at age 52. According to the Presidential Administration, the honour recognises his work in research, promotion and defence of citizens' rights and freedoms, as well as his involvement in protecting national heritage and strategic interests.

Harosa was a key legal figure in the Roșia Montană civic movement, which opposed a planned gold mining project in the historic village. President Dan stated that the movement was "one of the most important civic manifestations after 1989" and that Harosa led its legal efforts, representing public interest pro bono in dozens of cases. He also assisted the Romanian state in an arbitration case brought by the mining company, which the state won.

Also on this day, Orthodox Christians in Romania and elsewhere celebrate Saint John Chrysostom, one of the most revered Church Fathers. Known for his eloquent preaching, he is honoured as a great teacher of the faith. A priest quoted by Digi24 noted that the feast is an opportunity for prayer and reflection, and encouraged participation in the Divine Liturgy. The popular belief that quarrelling on this day brings 13 days of bad luck is considered a superstition, not church teaching.

The date also marks historical milestones: in 1907, French engineer of Romanian origin Paul Cornu made the first free flight in a helicopter, staying airborne for 20 seconds at about 30 cm above the ground. In 1947, Soviet engineer Mikhail Kalashnikov presented his AK-47 assault rifle, which later became one of the most widely produced firearms in history. In 2015, coordinated attacks in Paris claimed 130 lives.