Muhammad Yunus vs Robert Walpole

Muhammad Yunus founded Grameen Bank in 1983 as a microfinance institution providing small loans to the poor, especially women, without requiring collateral. The bank's model of group lending and social development became a global template for poverty alleviation.

Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for their efforts to create economic and social development from below. The award recognized microcredit as a tool for peace and poverty reduction worldwide.

Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government in a student-led uprising, Muhammad Yunus was appointed as the head of an interim government on August 8, 2024. His role was to oversee a transition to new elections amid political crisis.

Walpole restored public confidence after the South Sea Company's collapse in 1720. He devised a plan to transfer company stock to the Bank of England and South Sea Company, stabilizing the financial system and protecting many investors from ruin.

Robert Walpole was appointed First Lord of the Treasury and Chancellor of the Exchequer in April 1721, following the South Sea Bubble crisis. He is widely regarded as Britain's first de facto prime minister, holding power for over two decades.

Walpole proposed an excise tax on wine and tobacco to replace customs duties and reduce smuggling. The plan faced intense public opposition and was withdrawn in April 1733. The failure weakened Walpole's political position but avoided widespread unrest.

Walpole resigned as First Lord of the Treasury on February 11, 1742, after losing a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons. His resignation marked the end of his 21-year tenure and established the precedent of a prime minister leaving office when losing parliamentary support.