OPEN HOUSE ON THE RHINE

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The Christian Democrats, turned out of office for the first time since the founding of the Federal Republic in 1949, proved poor losers. To a man, the 242 C.D.U. legislators refused to applaud Brandt. Franz Josef Strauss, boss of the party's powerful Bavarian branch, refused to shake hands with Brandt. Outgoing Chancellor Kurt Kiesinger congratulated Brandt, but moments later he observed to newsmen: "We will see how long it lasts."

Positive No-Confidence. Under an ordinary parliamentary system, Brandt's narrow majority might prove short-lived indeed. In West Germany, however, it is not easy to topple a government. Mindful of the ease with which regimes fell during the Weimar Republic (21 in 14 years), the framers of West Germany's postwar constitution fashioned a device known as the "positive vote of no-confidence." It provides that a government can be dismissed only if the Bundestag simultaneously votes a new Chancellor into power. Says Brandt: "I can see no question on which this coalition could come apart in the next four years."

One reason for Brandt's confidence is that Wehner, a tough disciplinarian, has taken over the parliamentary leadership of the Socialists. He replaces Helmut Schmidt, who moved to the Defense Ministry in Brandt's new Cabinet, which has been streamlined from 19 to 14 portfolios. Karl Schiller, the erudite professor who has emerged as West Germany's most popular political figure, remains in the Economic Ministry; his first major act was to order an upward revaluation of the strong German mark, increasing its price from 250 to 27.30 (see BUSINESS). In a significant shift, former Justice Minister Horst Ehmke, 42, was appointed to the newly created post of Minister in the Chancellery. Serving as No. 2 man to the Chancellor, the former law professor thus becomes heir apparent to Brandt in the party lineup. As a reward for their support, the Free Democrats received three Cabinet posts. Brandt's old portfolio at the foreign ministry went to Walter Scheel, the Free Democrats' leader (see box).

Close to Home. Brandt's top priority is domestic. He hopes to achieve a more even distribution of the benefits that flow from Germany's continuing economic miracle. One reform is likely to take place in Germany's universities, where he would like to make more room for students from working-class backgrounds (only 10% of the student population at present). Other reforms include higher tax and social security payments for the rich with tax cuts for the low-wage earners.

Brandt's second priority is working for Western European unity. He will press for British entry into the Common Market even if it means offending the French. His third priority concerns West Germany's relations with the East. Though firmly committed to the West, Brandt is prepared to grant a measure of recognition to East Germany in return for closer contacts. He is also prepared to renounce claims to former German territories in Poland if the Communists will agree to a general accommodation that would reduce political tensions in Europe.