Contrary to earlier pessimistic predictions, the COVID-19 pandemic has not reinforced the popularity of populism. Authoritarian populism, with its charateristic distrust in scientific knowledge, excessive centralization and conspiratorial obsessions, as well as its unwillingness to participate in supranational efforts, has not turned out to be more efficient in handling the crisis than liberal democratic counterparts. Transparency and decentralization, characteristic of liberal democracies, were central to effective pandemic responses. Populists in power view the pandemic as a public relations challenge rather than a public health problem, and act accordingly.