I get the feeling they have just decided to throw all pretence to one side, caution to the wind and go with it .. I guess from their perspective it's now or never! This is just so blatant and creepy, it really reminds me of the famous poem, just exchange a few of the labels and names and the same process is playing out around us:

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.