On 24 April 1972 a vote of no confidence was proposed against Chancellor Willy Brandt. A vote was taken three days later. Had this motion passed, Rainer Barzel would have replaced Brandt as Chancellor. To everyone's surprise, the motion failed: Rainer Barzel received only 247 votes of 260 possible. For an absolute majority 249 promised votes would have been necessary. Rainer Barzel shakes hands with Brandt.