BOLIVIAN trade unionists have vowed to besiege the country’s parliament and presidential residence until President Rodrigo Paz lifts a controversial decree ending fuel subsidies.

“We are going to surround Plaza Murillo to generate pressure and force the government, once and for all, to take responsibility and repeal this damned Decree 5503,” Bolivian Workers Central trade union federation executive secretary Mario Argollo said. The central La Paz square is where the president’s palace and the parliament are.

Mr Paz has summoned an emergency summit of mayors to discuss how to cope with the general strike launched by unions against his decree. Both sides see it as the launchpad for his drive to undo 20 years of socialist government in Bolivia, and are determined not to lose the first big battle of his presidency.

“If we don’t do something now, dark days are coming for our families,” Mr Argollo warned.