The Spanish government has not applied a longer direct rule on Catalonia for a number of reasons. These include:

• Political considerations. The Spanish government is aware that a longer direct rule would be seen as a provocation by Catalan separatists and could lead to further unrest. The government is also mindful of the need to maintain public order and stability in Catalonia.

• Legal considerations. The Spanish Constitution allows for direct rule to be applied for a maximum of six months. After that, it would need to be approved by the Spanish Parliament. The government is not confident that it would have the support of the Parliament for a longer period of direct rule.
• Economic considerations. Direct rule has a significant financial cost. The Spanish government is reluctant to incur these costs for an extended period of time.

In addition to these factors, the Spanish government is also hoping that the situation in Catalonia will eventually stabilize without the need for a longer direct rule. The government has been engaged in dialogue with Catalan leaders, and there have been some signs of progress. However, it is too early to say whether these talks will be successful.

If the situation in Catalonia does not improve, the Spanish government may have no choice but to apply a longer direct rule. However, this would be a last resort, and the government would need to be confident that it could achieve its objectives without further destabilizing the region.