It matters because it's part of our history in regards of awareness to the technology and research and development which we lacked timewise and human resources wise. People in the 60 potentially worked less on these topics in Germany than in France.
The density is relevant in point of risk.
It's easier to find empty spots in France or more very rural ones than in Germany.
Also additional to this, France is more centralized to Paris.
So you checked all reasons and concluded that's it?
What studies did you consult?
And even if it's 'only' phobia wouldn't it also be a problem of politics and education then?
And while I don't necessarily against nuclear, I do really believe that every investment in nuclear would be much more beneficial towards wind, solar, geo, power lines and energy storage.
Why?
Makes people more independent and therefore the country better equipped for catastrophies. It creates synergies with all other energy storage problems like ev's, laptops and smartphones.
It makes people more energy aware.
The investment will push prices down for everyone including 3th world countries.
Less risk for dirty bomb material.
No long term storage problem.
Less dependencies to other countries because Uran etc doesn't exist everywhere while the other materials are much easier to get globally.
Also castor Transports are super expensive and the whole supply chain too due to terrorism risk and health risk.
I also have worked with plenty of people in my life, the assumption that people are always able to handle dangerous materials which are not visible harmful feels stupid.
Whenever you do a one day full of updates and fix small issues but also gain new features and performance, just remember there is someone who uses some super old db no one wanna touch it again and the migration of that old thing will take weeks!