If politicians are doing things they know are likely to be unpopular why would they broadcast them?
Authoritarianism and confidence don't go together, quite the opposite: politicians are authoritarian precisely because they lack confidence. To be liberal takes confidence and a commitment to convictions. To be authoritarian requires a heavy hand, ideally some deviousness so the plebs don't get uppity before you've cemented your authority, and if possible enough influential support from those on the 'right side' to benefit from the authoritarianism to make it easier to carry the plan out.
See Singapore.