Television program Chateau Assistance continues to stir emotions. The SBS6 program, in which the Meilandjes exchange their luxurious life for a month on welfare, has recently been criticized from all sides. The third episode of last night also does not pass without a fuss. “This gives a distorted picture of reality.”
Viewers are not happy about the amount that the Meilandjes can spend every week. It concerns an amount of 225 euros, but in the view of viewers that is far too much and does not represent a good reflection of reality. “There are families in the Netherlands who have to get by on 70 euros a week. Shame to call this assistance.”
De Meilandjes and the program makers also maintain that the amount corresponds exactly to the amount that those entitled to social assistance receive deposited into their account.
My mother had less than 90 euros a week on social assistance with 2 children. Couldn’t even get a hot dinner at times. I think 225 for one week is really big. #chateau assistance
— Tamara (@mommydiariesnl) March 28, 2022
225 euros to spend 🤨🧐that’s living like a god in France I know families who have 80 euros pw#chateau assistance
— maria (@marial1983) March 28, 2022
#chateau assistance the people who really live on welfare level are put to shit here!
— nappie (@Nappie2016) March 29, 2022
What a terrible program #chateau assistance† Absolutely nothing is like reality! Fake and an entire group is now also seen as a profiteer with more than €200 per week to spend! #keep dreaming Think carefully about what you achieve with this #fail
— PaulW 🔴🟢 (@Am_Sonnenhang) March 29, 2022
While zapping I sometimes see this family passing by. This whole program is an outright insult to the people who have to get by on € 40 or € 50 per week. I guide this target group and see these people struggle every week. Get off the tube. #chateau assistance
— Berlin (@EpsonXP205) March 29, 2022
I’m watching the episode indd! I think it’s crazy that much money! Other people make do with 80 euros a week with a family! Together we have a nice salary and we do not spend €225 Pw. #chateau assistance
— Melis (@Melislambooy) March 28, 2022
Previously criticized Chateau Bijstand
They are not the first critical notes about Chateau Assistance† The first two episodes also did not pass without the necessary reactions. At the end of last year, when Chateau Assistance was announced, many people already seemed to have little understanding of the program. Twitterers called the concept “morally reprehensible”: “Importing poor people to make even more money.”
Arjen Lubach recently paid attention in his program to Chateau Assistance† He was critical of the fact that the rich Meilandjes temporarily exchange their luxurious life, while people on welfare do not have that choice. Television critic Angela de Jong also asked herself in the AD wonders aloud whether such a program is still possible “now that more and more people are struggling to make ends meet”. She called the program “madness.”
Meilandjes continue to attract more than a million viewers
Despite all the criticism, yesterday’s episode again attracted more than a million viewers. The loyal viewers do not understand all the criticism. “Great TV. No brainer, really nice. I think they are nice.” Another responds: “Just don’t look, if you find those people so disgusting.”
Am I the only one who likes to watch #chateau assistance † Wonderful TV. No brainer, really nice. I think they are nice.
— Witch Cheese (@huize_hil) March 28, 2022
I Love the Meiland family, just don’t watch if you find those people so disgusting #chateau assistance #erikameiland
— Esti 🔯 🌈 (@Esti7799) March 28, 2022
Martien Meiland responds to criticism about Chateau Bijstand: ‘Go and have a look first’
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Again criticism of Chateau Assistance: ‘225 euros per week is not assistance’