Habsburg heir takes Austria to human rights court

VIENNA -- A descendant of the Habsburgs is taking Austria to the European Court for Human Rights for not allowing him to run for president.

Ulrich Habsburg-Lothringen could not become a candidate in April elections because he lacked the required number of signatures and Austrian law bars members of ruling or former ruling families from running for the post.

The Habsburg dynasty was once Europe's most powerful royal house.

Lawyer Rudi Vouk said Tuesday the complaint filed with the Strasbourg-based court argues that Austria's ban violates Habsburg-Lothringen's human right to participate in democratic elections.

Austria's next presidential elections are set for 2016. The largely ceremonial position is currently held by Heinz Fischer, a Social Democrat.