A study for France by CEPreMAP shows that the closure of traditional socialization spaces (classic "third places" such as café-tabac) leads in the medium term to an increase in far-right voting. And vice versa.

"The results show that the closure of bars and tobacconists contributes to the increase in far-right voting, in a context of broader transformations in local living conditions, regardless of immigration, unemployment, or other economic indicators. The effects are very small in the short term, but increase dramatically over time."

"Conversely, the opening of bars and tobacconists is associated with a decrease in far-right voting, suggesting that these dynamics are not irreversible."

"No other type of business closure produces a comparable effect. The unique characteristic of bars and tobacconists lies in their function as socialization places: their disappearance is associated with sustained increased support for the National Rally (RN). The effects are three times stronger in rural communities, where these establishments often represent the last space for social interaction."