While the urban-rural divide in political behaviour is widely discussed, divides within cities are often underestimated. Indeed, increasing inequalities in cities are reshaping the dynamics of political support, creating socio-political divides that challenge democratic stability. This research advances comparative political studies by demonstrating that urban policies can mitigate these divides and counter populist parties in high-income democracies. Using Milan's "Piazze Aperte" policy as a case study, the paper investigates how transforming car-dominated areas into pedestrian-friendly squares fosters social cohesion and influences electoral outcomes.
Employing a difference-in-differences approach, the study examines electoral data from local (2011, 2016, 2021) and national elections (2013, 2018, 2022), employing precinct-level and neighbourhood-level data through a novel geographical interpolation statistical strategy. Hence, this analysis addresses a critical challenge in comparative politics: the absence of detailed territorial data to analyze within-city determinants of political support.
Results reveal that precincts impacted by "Piazze Aperte" experienced reduced support for right-wing populist parties (League and Brothers of Italy) and increased votes for the center-left Democratic Party. Effects on the left-populist Movement Five Stars were mixed, and the initiative increased electoral participation, reflecting enhanced civic engagement.
These findings underscore the potential of inclusive urban policies to mitigate socio-economic inequalities, reduce polarization, and promote social integration. However, further investments are essential to expand public spaces that facilitate interpersonal exchange and strengthen community ties. By addressing the roots of marginalization, this study contributes to broader debates on inequality, urban governance, and the political implications of urban design in high-income democracies.