I suspect that many politicians actually realise quite well what they are doing. You know what they say: They may be a lot of things but stupid ain't one of 'em. We are the ones that worry about nation's wealth, because we could benefit from this. They already have money and power so why should they want to change anything and risk? They have too much to loose and not that much to gain.

And besides, Libertarian government would mean they are out of business and in most cases, probably courtmarshalled.

Also, deliberately making a population poor and powerless gives the government more power over it's nation. It would be difficult ruling over population of wealthy individuals that would rather not be ruled by anyone. It's far easier to rule over poor, ill educated masses working their asses and looking up to Big Brother for welfare and protection.