Generation Z in Bulgaria threw its weight behind Rumen Radev and his "Progressive Bulgaria" coalition. A full 34% of voters aged 18 to 34 cast their ballots for his coalition - a number no Bulgarian political force had managed among young people in recent years.

The youth "surprised the system," Bulgarian media reported. In a country where political apathy among the young is the norm, this kind of mobilization is genuinely unusual. The question is: why Radev?

The answer is complex, but part of it lies in Radev offering something young people across the Balkans rarely hear - a clear message without compromise with the old elites. "Strong Bulgaria in a Strong Europe" is a slogan, but behind it stands a narrative that speaks to those exhausted by endless political crisis.

Eight elections in five years. For a generation growing up with that, every election is another chance to demand something different. Is Radev truly different - or did the young simply have no better option?