Those in charge are as is often the case incompetent when it comes to actual means of running things.

They impose high taxes to offset the losses caused by their corrupt politics and friends & families appointed to public institutions. In turn, they’re surprised that the general populace have started to get outside of the system by living off grid, having money outside of their circle of influence, etc. The population is starting to become ungovernable.

It never was about any sort of safety.