I don't know any more, it was used by several newspapers.  It seems the term was invented by aides of Schroeder, when he was still chancellor, but the more widespread use seem to have occured only more recently - it is more relevant now, as some in the SPD want to follow the course Schroeder has started, and others want a significant change away from things like the agenda 2010.

Der Amerikaner ist die Orchidee unter den Menschen
Volker Pispers