Democratic infrastructure of agency and autonomy

The text analyzes the role of the state as an architect of agency conditions, who should balance between economic freedom and the protection of individuals in weak negotiating positions. The author distinguishes desirable contractual autonomy from harmful contractual isolation, which prevents the joint establishment of working rules. In the context of solo self-employed persons, the article cites European Commission guidelines that allow for collective negotiations on service provision conditions without violating competition law. The key conclusion is the recognition that individuals whose business relies primarily on their own labor are often in an asymmetric position relative to contractors, which justifies the creation of institutional mechanisms for collective voice and protection, regardless of formal entrepreneur status.