The most obvious move by TPTB against this, that I can think of, would be to cut some slack, let the protests and anger calm down, then do it again. On and off repeatedly to try and get people tired and give up hope.

It might work eventually, which is why the best strategy is to get them out of positions of power (for civil servants) or take away their power (economic, media etc. by walking away, make them fire you for refusing to comply etc.).