Sigh. You are right but for , all the wrong reasons.
Populist corrupt politicians in Europe found idol when Trump was president. He legitimised outlandish claims, playing a victim and creating and pathway how to influence unhappy masses. Quickly, playing with emotions and not based on rationale.
During middle ages, when peasants were restless, King announced holy war and prevented uprising.
Nowadays conservatives do the same. They portrait themselves as crusaders of traditional values.
Funny enough, they don't follow "Thou shalt not steal" command. ( I am speaking specifically about EU's leaders : Orban, Babis, Fico, Berlusconi....)
In both cases it is just playing with population.