Lula made the remarks during the 'Culture with Lula' gathering at the Fundicao Progresso cultural centre, where he appeared alongside artists and other cultural figures.

"Bolsonaro destroyed not only the Ministry of Culture; he destroyed the Ministry of Labour. He destroyed the Ministry of Industry and Trade [...] the Ministry of Racial Equality, the Ministry of Women and the Ministry of Human Rights," Lula said.

Lula Pushes Constitutional Protection for Culture

During Bolsonaro's government, the Ministry of Culture was dismantled. Its responsibilities were initially transferred to the Ministry of Citizenship before being placed under a special secretariat within the Ministry of Tourism .

Lula said cultural policies should receive stronger protection to prevent them from being changed by future governments.

"It is necessary that we incorporate into the Constitution what we want for culture. It is the safest way to ensure there are no changes from one government to another," he said.

Singer Daniela Mercury, who attended the gathering, spoke about the role of different forms of cultural expression in shaping Brazilian identity.

"Culture touches all of us directly and profoundly; it is our bonds," she said.

Brazil Heads Towards October Election

The gathering formed part of Lula's campaign for a fourth presidential term, with Geraldo Alckmin again running as his vice-presidential candidate.

Brazil's presidential election is scheduled for October 4. Lula and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, are among the main contenders.

If no candidate receives more than half of the valid votes, a second round will be held on October 25.