The majority of Moldovans are opposed to the compulsory introduction of religion as a subject of study in schools, taught either by priests or specialized teachers, according to the iData Barometer conducted in March, IPN reports.

The survey shows that only a third of respondents would like religion to be a compulsory subject in schools, while 20% believe that religion should not be taught at all, while 43% think it could be optional.

Survey participants were also asked which of the names would be the most appropriate for the subject dealing with national history in schools. 46,7% of them mentioned History of Moldova, 24,3% - History, 23,6% - History of Romanians. 3,2% of the respondents said that they had no opinion, 1,6% answered "other name" and 0,6% did not answer.

Opinions are also divided on the merging of village schools into larger, better equipped institutions. To the question: "Do you agree or disagree with closing some schools in villages and regrouping pupils in larger but better equipped institutions?", 49.1% said no and that schools should be kept in each locality. 27.4% of respondents consider this a necessary solution, while 21.2% say it depends on the conditions offered to pupils. Another 2.3% said they don't know.

The survey was carried out from March 14-25 on a sample of 1007 people in 294 localities. The maximum sampling error is ±3%.